Driving Safe: How To Be Better Behind The Wheel

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Learning how to drive safely and without distractions can take some time; even the most seasoned driver can make mistakes and fall victim to things like looking at the radio or talking to a passenger, and while these behaviors may not sound too bad, they can lead to trouble very quickly. Taking your eyes off the road — even for a second — can be hazardous both for you and for other drivers. Not only that, an accident doesn’t have to involve injuries to be harmful; depending on the type of wreck, it can make your insurance skyrocket.

The best thing to do is find ways to be better behind the wheel no matter your age or experience. Keep in mind that just because you’ve been driving for a long time it doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from a brush-up on your skills. Think about what will help you most; for instance, if you live in an area that gets a lot of bad weather in the winter, you might think about checking out an online driving guide as a refresher on how to navigate your vehicle safely.

Being a better driver is a safety tactic you shouldn’t ignore. Here are a few tips on how to minimize distractions and learn better road etiquette.

Know the laws

The traffic laws vary from state to state, but there are many general rules everyone needs to obey. Wearing your seatbelt, getting familiar with speed limits, and brushing up on your knowledge of what certain signs and lights mean are all important ways to stay safe on the road. Research more about the rules of the road where you live, and remember to always keep proof of insurance, your driver’s license, and the registration to your car handy while driving.

Change those bad habits

Many of us are guilty of going a little too fast when we’re in a hurry to get home, but if you think about the possible consequences, you’ll want to slow down no matter what you have going on. Driving through residential areas, especially, can be dangerous if you’re not obeying the speed limit, and rushing through construction on the highways can lead to huge, doubled fines if you get caught. Stay safe, and keep everyone around you safe at the same time. Know the speed limits and adhere to them every time you’re in the car.

Know your insurance policy

Your auto insurance policy is crucial in keeping you covered no matter what happens, so get to know the details and talk to a representative from your provider if you have questions. If you tend to speed or drive aggressively, you could be labeled a “high risk driver” if you are stopped by the police or receive multiple tickets, which can have an adverse effect on your premiums. According to AutoInsurance.com, “The “high risk” label is given to drivers who have too many negative items on their driving records, whether those items are too many tickets and violations, traffic accidents, convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or other offenses.” Many “high risk” drivers aren’t able to get coverage through individual providers and have to go through the state. Avoid being labeled a “high risk” driver by sticking to the speed limits, avoiding aggressive driving and never driving while under the influence.

Remove distractions

Distractions in the car can be deadly, so remove as many of them as possible before you start the engine. You can bring your phone along, but either turn it off or put it away while the car is engaged. Keep music at a reasonable level so you can hear what’s going on around you–namely, if there are sirens nearby–and if you’re a teenage driver, keep passengers to a minimum. Eating, drinking, and smoking can be distractions while driving too, so try to only do these when you’re stopped. If you have an infant in the car, look for a mirror that will hang over the backseat so you can see the baby’s face. This will give you peace of mind as you drive that she’s safe.

Finding way to be a better driver can have many benefits, from allowing you to stay safe to lowering your insurance rates. There are a million reasons to learn safe behaviors behind the wheel, so think about the possibilities and make the right changes for your needs.