By Madeline Klein on February 10, 2020 in Safe Driving
You want the best car insurance rate. Don’t we all? Accidents and tickets are two factors that cause your rate to fluctuate, given the risk of a claim. Let’s avoid these and remember how to be a good and safe driver!
How to be a Good Driver
What makes someone a good driver? Isn’t that subjective?
While everyone may think they’re a good driver, a few characteristics often standout when someone’s a true master of the roads.
- Patience
Calm, cool, and collected. That’s a good driver’s mantra whether they are facing bumper to bumper rush hour traffic or wide-open highway driving. Remaining “chill” even when other drivers cut you off or make rash moves helps prevent road rage that can cause accidents!
- Follow the rules of the road
Many years of planning and deliberation have brought us the rules of the road. We all learned them recited them for the DMV exam. Even in uncharted territory, these rules can keep you motoring along safely.
- Limit hard braking
Hard braking, AKA reckless braking, takes a toll on your vehicle and your driving record. Nip it in the bud. Don’t tailgate or speed, and remember to brake smoothly! Saving your driving record from accidents AND saving money on your car’s repairs? Those are the savings we all love!
- The safest driving hours
We shared an alarming statistic in our nighttime driving blog. Although only a quarter of our total driving is done at night, that is when 50% of traffic deaths occur. Limiting your driving to these safe hours eliminates the dangers of night driving and adds an excuse to go to bed early. It doesn’t get better than that!
How to be a Safe Driver
Ever wonder why you don’t hear people saying, “Safety second”? That’s because it should always be a priority. The list of ways to be safe while driving is miles long, but we hit some highlights for you to keep front of mind!
- Avoid driving when sick or tired
- Never drive while inebriated
- Wear your seatbelt at all times
- Complete a defensive driving course….we believe in this one so much we offer a discount for drivers who complete one!
- Pay attention to other drivers and surroundings
- Store phone out of sight
This is, by no means, an exhaustive list of how to be a safe driver. Preparation, concentration, and adhering to the rules can help prevent accidents and, in turn, preserve that sparkling driving record.
Conclusion
Being a good driver isn’t the only factor taken into consideration when an insurance company is determining the risk and calculating your insurance rate, but it plays a part! Take these tips straight to the road to try to keep your driving record shiny and reduce your insurance rate as much as possible.