Here are five tips on how to drive defensively and give you peace of mind on the road:
- Keep an appropriate amount of space between you and other vehicles
We’ve all been there – you’re running late for work and all of a sudden you get stuck behind a car going way below the speed limit. You’re just trying to get there before your boss notices you’re gone, so you decide it’s alright to follow a little closer than usual so the guy in front of you gets the idea to move faster. All of a sudden, you slide a bit on the road and before you know it your front bumper has a frenzy with the car ahead. It is important, even in cases that seem dire, to allow a minimum of two to three seconds of lead time between vehicles. This way, instead of being late to work and worrying about a collision, the only thing you have to worry about is not missing your alarm the next morning. - Your blinkers are your friends
While it may seem like over-using turn signals can be redundant, it is important to remember how much they keep you safe. Keeping other drivers informed about your next move allows for little confusion and reduces your susceptibility to an accident. Predictability before turning and lane changes is key to defensive and safe driving. - Road rage isn’t worth it
Whether it’s the truck that just cut you off or the SUV who just blew through the stop sign, it is important to remember that road rage only makes situations like these worse. We understand your frustrations, believe us, but your overall safety can be impacted greatly when you decide to follow the other vehicle or even take your eyes off the road to yell at another driver. Move on, let the anger go, and be sure to practice defensive driving to prioritize your safety. - Red means stop
There is nothing quite as dangerous as running a red light at a busy intersection. Be sure to pay attention to the changing signals to avoid a possible crash that could have been avoided. Keep your focus up, remember to drive appropriately even if you’re in a hurry, and slow down as you approach each intersection. - Insure your vehicle
One of the most important things to remember when it comes to safe driving is to make sure your car is insured. Here at Advocate, we can help you with all of your auto insurance and car insurance needs. Not sure what type of insurance you need? Learn more from the list below and contact us when you’re ready to find the best coverage for you.
- Collision Coverage – This is the basic insurance type that covers your vehicle if you collide, or run into something. This covers collisions with other cars as well as if you were to run into a wall, barrier or bridge.
- Comprehensive Coverage – This covers anything that may happen to your car that is not directly related to a collision. This would include things such as theft, fire, hitting a deer or vandalism.
- Liability Coverage – This type of coverage covers the damages when you are at fault in an accident and you damage someone else’s car or property. Liability coverage is often mandated by law, so it is important that you, as the driver, make certain you have an adequate amount.
- Medical Payments – This is also called PIP in some states. Medical payments pay for any injuries to the driver or passengers that occur if an accident occurred while you were driving. Medical payment insurance varies from state to state, so make certain you are covered as expected.
Learn more about defensive driving today. If you are in need of any type of auto insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out.