5 Tips For Avoiding Auto Accidents And Protecting Your Car Insurance Rates
An at-fault accident will cause your auto insurance rates to rise. It will also leave a blemish on your driving record, keeping your rates high for several years. Even if your insurer offers accident forgiveness, your premiums will still rise a little. Yet, millions of people who go to great lengths to find low car insurance rates maintain driving habits that increase the likelihood they will cause an accident.
Below, we’ll explain the most common factors that lead people to cause collisions. We’ll also provide a few tips that will help you to avoid making similar mistakes.
Factors That Contribute To At-Fault Car Accidents
Driving habits that result in collisions are usually related. That is, drivers tend to demonstrate more than one, and often several. One common cause is speeding. Most people who drive faster than the speed limit are aware they are doing so. In fact, they often speed past signs with the limits posted.
Another factor is changing lanes without taking proper precautions. The adjacent lane may seem unoccupied, but keep in mind cars can slip into blind spots quickly.
Many people disregard signalling when making lane changes or turning. If they slow their vehicles without alerting the person behind them of their intentions, an accident can occur.
Distractions play a major role in causing collisions. When drivers’ attention is diverted from the road, they are less able to react to the conditions in front of them.
5 Tips For Avoiding Collisions
Given the effect an at-fault accident can have on your auto insurance rates, it’s worth considering your habits behind the wheel. Although the following tips may seem intuitive, there is a good chance you are neglecting at least one or two of them.
#1 – Eliminate Distractions While Behind The Wheel
Most motorists think of cell phones when they consider driving distractions. To be sure, using your phone – even a hands-free unit – while driving is dangerous because it diverts your attention from the road. But consider other things you do behind the wheel that have little to do with operating your vehicle.
For example, do you adjust the volume controls on your radio? Do you glance at magazines or newspapers? Do you drink coffee or apply makeup? All are distractions that increase the odds of causing a collision. Avoid doing them behind the wheel.
#2 – Practice Safe Driving Habits
Speeding, changing lanes without looking, following cars too closely, and failing to use your turn signals are unsafe driving habits. So are using cell phones, texting, and eating while driving. Each of these habits alone can lead to an accident. Those who demonstrate several increase the odds substantially.
Being a safe driver involves maintaining a constant speed (below the posted limit), allowing plenty of space in front of you, and using your turn signals. It also means avoiding distractions and noting road conditions. Taking these steps makes it far less likely you’ll cause a collision.
#3 – Adjust And Use Your Mirrors
Your car’s mirrors provide invaluable information regarding other vehicles. They inform you about their positions, speeds, and even the drivers’ intentions. Don’t ignore them. Use your mirrors constantly while on the road. Experts suggest checking them every fifteen seconds.
#4 – Don’t Rely On Traffic Laws
It’s tempting to assume everyone on the road will acknowledge local traffic laws. That is, motorists will maintain the proper speed, use their turn signals, and yield to stop signs and traffic lights. In fact, drivers violate these and other traffic laws every day.
Usually, other motorists simply accommodate the lawbreakers, thereby preventing and avoiding accidents. Sometimes, however, a single action by one motorist can have horrific results. Always stay alert, and watch other drivers. Don’t assume everyone is following the same rules. For example, when approaching an intersection, glance left and right before entering to make certain others intend to yield the right of way to you.
#5 – Minimize Lane Changes
Changing lanes while other vehicles are nearby always increases the likelihood of a collision. Even if you take every precaution before doing so, a speeding, careless motorist may unexpectedly occupy the space you intend to move into. Clearly, lane changes are often necessary. But bear in mind that the fewer you make, the lower your odds of colliding with another car.
A clean driving record results in lower auto insurance rates. Do everything possible to avoid causing an accident that sullies it. If, because of an at-fault collision, your rates are already high, now may be the time to compare quotes from competing insurance companies.
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