If you drive unsafely, you can rest assured that it will catch up to you in some form eventually. Either you will get a ticket or have an accident, both of which will raise the rates on even the best auto insurance policies. As such, the simplest and most effective way to keep your auto insurance rates under control is to drive safely and obey the rules of the road. Follow these guidelines to become a safer driver.

auto driving tips

Don't Drive Aggressively

Driving aggressively inevitably leads to road rage, which can be lethal in some cases. To avoid aggressive driving, don't engage in any of the following behaviors:

  • Speeding
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Cutting other cars off
  • Passing on the shoulder
  • Tailgating
  • Slamming on brakes to deter tailgaters
  • Yelling
  • Making inappropriate hand/facial gestures to other drivers
  • Excessive use of horn

If you are ever on the receiving end of road rage, resist the urge to retaliate. Move out of the other driver's way, avoid eye contact, and make sure your doors and windows are closed and locked. Driving when you're tired or upset can also contribute to road rage, so drive only when you are alert and calm. Above all, don't get into conflicts with other drivers even when you think it's justified. Avoiding conflict on the road can help you keep your auto insurance costs to a minimum and possibly even safe your life.

Drive Defensively

If you want the best auto insurance rates available, you will have to learn how to minimize not only your own mistakes, but also those of other drivers. Aside from low auto insurance rates, accident-free drivers have one thing in common: they know they cannot count on other drivers to do what they expect them to do. Preparing for unexpected behaviors from other drivers is the cornerstone of driving defensively.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Aggressive driving, which includes following too closely, is one of the top six causes of vehicular fatalities. Don't risk your life and an accident by tailgating. Use the two-second rule to determine a safe following distance. Select an object and count two seconds from when the vehicle in front of you passes it. If it takes you two seconds or more to reach the same object, you are at a safe following distance.

Watch Your Speed.

Speed is a factor in one-third of all automobile fatalities. Remember that the posted speed is a maximum, not a minimum, and certain road conditions may necessitate a slower speed. If you speed, you risk a ticket as well as an accident. Speeding reduces the amount of reaction time you have to prevent an accident, increases the risk of having an accident, and results in more severe accidents when they do occur.

Drive a safe vehicle.

A part of vehicle safety is buying a safe car that has performed well on government crash tests and comes with a wide array of safety equipment, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. Another component of vehicle safety is maintenance, which is incumbent upon you as a driver. For example, maintaining proper tire pressure will make your vehicle safer. Have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic regularly to catch any problems before they affect your driving.

If you still have questions about your car insurance coverage, refer to our FAQ page to get answers from the experts.