Safe Driving Tips

Following These Tips Will Save You Money

The fastest way to hike up your premiums is to have an accident or get a ticket as a result of unsafe driving practices. To avoid dangerous situations and higher premiums, practice these common-sense safe driving tips. Following these guidelines will help you preserve the rates on your best auto insurance policy.

1. Don’t drive aggressively. Aggressive driving can be lethal when it results in all-too-common road rage. To avoid it yourself, don’t engage in the following practices:
   • 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 find yourself on the victim end of road rage, do not retaliate. Just get out of the way, don’t make eye contact, and make sure your doors and windows are closed and locked. Don’t drive when you are upset, tired, or angry, and try to avoid conflict even when you know you’re right. It could save your life or, at the very least, a lot of money.
2. Drive alert. This component can be broken down into concentration and defensive driving. The road deserves 100% of your concentration, so make sure you are well-rested, sober, and calm when you drive. With defensive driving, never expect the driver to do what you think he/she will do. Always anticipate the worst and be prepared to compensate for it. If an accident becomes unavoidable, choose the situation that poses the least danger, such as veering off the road into a ditch.
3. Maintain safe following distance. Aggressive driving, which includes tailgating, is one of the top 6 causes of automobile fatalities today. Don’t risk it—follow the 2-second rule when behind another car. This means you pick a point or an object, see when the car ahead of you passes it, and then count two seconds. If you reach the object in less than two seconds, then you are following too closely.
4. Watch your speed. Don’t surpass the maximum speed posted for that road. Remember that the posted speed is a maximum, not a minimum, so certain weather or other road conditions might necessitate a slower speed. Speeding is a triple-threat for an accident because it 1) reduces the amount of time you have to avoid an accident, 2) increases the risk of crashing, and 3) increases the severity of the crash if it does occur.

For the answers to some commonly asked questions about the best auto insurance, see our FAQ’s page.