Risk. It’s an inevitable part of our daily existence. Everything we do invariably contains some element of hazard. And for many of us, one of the riskiest things we can do in life is to drive our cars. We hurtle down narrow streets at high speeds encased in metallic, combustible vehicles within extremely close proximity to one another. There are literally dangers around every corner and it only takes a split second for a potentially life-threatening catastrophe to occur.
So considering the inherent danger that comes with driving a car, what we can do to minimize our risk? What can we do to ensure that we, and our loved ones, remain safe? Well, there some simple steps that you can take that will drastically reduce the chances of being involved in an automobile accident, and at the same time, reduce your car insurance premium.
Get car insurance quotes online today!
Obey All Traffic Laws
Traffic laws exist for a reason – because they help prevent accidents! Be sure to STOP completely at all stop signs, look RIGHT before you turn right, don’t run RED LIGHTS, and always SIGNAL before you change lanes. These tips may seem to be incredibly obvious, but it is stunning how many drivers choose to ignore traffic laws.
Don’t Speed
This, of course, is also a traffic law but it deserves special attention. Speeding drivers are three times as likely to be involved in an accident than non-speeding drivers. Speeding reduces your reaction time and ability to avoid a collision. Also, insurance companies will increase your car insurance premium after you have received a speeding ticket (and will bump up your premium significantly after multiple tickets). Drive within the speed limit and you are less likely to get into an accident, you will avoid a costly ticket, and will also save money on your car insurance premium.
Check Your Mirrors
It is recommended that you check your mirrors every six to eight seconds while driving. Why? Because the best way to avoid potential dangers is to be aware of what is happening at all times around your vehicle. Hazards can appear in a blink of an eye. The road is constantly changing, and you need up to the second updates in order to stay safe.
Check Your Blind Spots
In addition to glancing at your mirrors, also monitor your blind spot while changing lanes. Mirrors alone cannot give us a 360-degree view of what is occurring around our automobile. Only by quickly surveying your blind spots can you be entirely sure when it is safe to change lanes.
Get car insurance quotes online today!
Stay Off Your Cell Phone
In many states it is now against the law to talk on your cell phone (unless it is hands free) and to text while driving. Again, there is wisdom behind these laws. Driving a car requires our full attention and distractions like cell phones only take away from our ability to react to an obstacle or danger. So save that all-important conversation until after you have arrived safely at your destination.
Drive Slowly in Bad Weather
The best advice during times of inclement weather is to try to avoid driving at all. However, due to obligations such as work and school, this is not always realistic. Thus, the next best option is to drive slowly and cautiously. Snow, rain, and fog can dramatically affect road conditions and our ability to recognize and avoid peril. Slow down, increase your braking distance, and don’t be afraid to pull over if you need to. Remember, it is more important to stay safe and take your time then arrive at your destination quickly.
Get Enough Sleep
We hear at all it time. We’re not getting enough rest and this has important consequences to our overall health. Well, in addition to this, lack of sleep can also affect our ability to drive. In fact, next to driving while intoxicated, sleep deprivation is the greatest contributing factor to car accidents According to a recent study, up to 250,000 drivers fall asleep at the wheel everyday! If you are feeling exhausted, please pull over. Get a hotel, or at the very least, get a few hours of sleep at a rest stop. The money spent or time wasted is nothing compared to the monetary, physical, and emotional costs of getting into a car accident.
In general, practice defensive driving techniques and exert patience. Slow down, take your time, follow the laws. Driving a car is by nature a risky venture, but if you follow a few simple rules, and apply good judgment, you can greatly reduce the chances of being in an accident. And of course, save some cash on your car insurance!
Get car insurance quotes online today!