Like most people, you probably spend a lot of time in your car. And as anyone who’s ever been in a car accident can tell you, it’s not a fun experience. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help avoid getting into an accident in the first place. Here are some tips from the experts at Progressive (Check out these Progressive Insurance Reviews, too):
Drive Defensively
Defensive driving is all about being aware of your surroundings and other drivers on the road and anticipating their actions. It’s essential to always be on the lookout for potential hazards, such as sudden stops, objects on the road, or a driver suddenly swerving into your lane.
Defensive driving can help you avoid accidents and keep yourself and others safe on the road. Defensive driving isn’t just about preventing accidents; it’s also about being prepared for them. Find yourself in a dangerous situation. Defensive driving can help you take evasive action to avoid an accident or minimize the damage.
Whether you’re driving in heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions, defensive driving can help you stay safe on the road. You can even receive a discount on your insurance if you’ve participated in and passed a defensive driving course through an authorized trainer.
Obey the Speed Limit
The Department of Transportation puts speed limits in place for a reason – to help keep drivers safe. Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents, so always obeying the posted speed limit is essential.
Not only is it the law, but it could also save your or someone else’s life. Speed limits are designed to give drivers enough time to react to hazards on the road. Speeding makes it more difficult to stop in time if something suddenly appears in your path.
In addition, speeding increases the severity of an accident if you do happen to hit something. So next time you’re behind the wheel, remember to take it slow and obey the speed limit. Your life could depend on it.
Don’t Drink and Drive.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) are just two of the many organizations that work to educate people about the dangers of drunk driving.
Alcohol impairs your ability to drive and is a factor in many accidents.
If you drink, make sure you have a designated driver. Designated drivers, or DDs, are people who agree not to drink alcohol when they are out with friends or at events where alcohol is being served.
Your DD can make sure everyone gets home safely. You can also use public transportation or rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to get home safely if you’ve been drinking. Please don’t drink and drive whatever you do, and it’s not worth the risk.
Avoid Distractions
Avoiding distractions while driving your car is essential for many reasons. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, so it’s necessary to keep your focus on the road.
Put away your phone, and don’t try to do anything else while driving. Cell phone use is a significant distraction, and most states have no laws against it. That means it’s up to you to be responsible and put your phone away while driving.
In addition to being a significant distraction, cell phone use can also lead to tickets and accidents. If you must use your cell phone while driving, pull over in a safe spot first, and avoiding distractions will help you stay safe on the road.
Keep Your Car in Good Condition
Any driver will tell you that unexpected car problems are always a pain. Car trouble can ruin your day, whether it’s a flat tire, a dead battery, or worse.
It’s essential to keep your car in good condition. By regularly checking your tires, ensuring your lights are working, and keeping up with other routine maintenance, you can help avoid accidents and keep your car running smoothly.
Plus, taking good care of your car will help it last longer, saving you money in the long run. So don’t wait until something goes wrong – keep your vehicle maintained and safe. Some investments, such as extended warranties, can help keep maintenance costs low.
The Importance of Insurance
Following these tips can help you avoid getting into an accident. But if you get into an accident, the adequate insurance coverage will help. Talk with your agent about the minimum requirements for your state before committing to a policy.
A bonus tip for saving on your insurance is to bundle your car insurance with your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance.
Your insurance agent supports you through the whole process, from filing a claim to getting your car repaired. Choose your insurance provider carefully after reading the reviews and discussing experiences with your friends and family.
What can Insurance Cover?
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is the minimum required by most states to cover your car in case of an accident. Liability insurance pays for damage to the other driver’s car, property, and medical expenses if injured.
It does not cover any damage to your car or property. If you want coverage for your vehicle, you will need to purchase collision or comprehensive insurance.
Collision Insurance
Collision insurance covers damage to your car if you hit another object or if your car is hit by another vehicle. This is sometimes called Personal Property Protection. You’ll need Collision insurance if you swerve to miss a deer on the road and hit someone’s mailbox.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car from events like theft, weather damage, or hitting an animal. These are just a few of the many types of coverage available.
To get the best rate on your insurance policy, be sure to shop around and compare rates.
Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure you’re getting a good deal on your insurance.
No one wants to get into an accident. But if you do, following these tips can help you stay safe and avoid costly repairs. And having adequate insurance coverage will give you peace of mind in case of an emergency.
