We all know that "bad drivers" pay more for their car insurance. It makes sense that someone with multiple violations would be more likely to cause more problems than someone with a spotless driving record, but what makes a bad driver? Maybe you've never gotten a ticket in your life, but if you're committing some of these "bad driving" sins, a ticket may be in your near future, and tickets inevitably bring with them higher car insurance costs. So what should a safe driver avoid?
Noisy Distractions
Everyone knows that you should pull over to use your cell phone, but how many people really do? Some states are even making laws against cell phone use in cars. Even if your state doesn't have a law, it's a good idea to try to stick to this rule. It can seem silly to go to the trouble of pulling over just to use your phone, but it really is a distraction. Most of us aren't corporate executives who need to take every call, so we have the luxury of playing it safe and being good drivers.
Maybe you never use your cell phone in the car, but do you listen to music? No, listening to music in the car isn't a sign of a bad driver, but bad music habits are. Do you ever fiddle with the radio dial, poke buttons on your satellite radio, change CDs, or scroll through songs on your iPod while driving? All of these things take your eyes off the road, at least for a second. Not a big deal, but if you do it excessively, those seconds add up and amount to precious minutes that you aren't looking at the road. Especially in bad weather or in an unfamiliar area, those minutes could lead to an accident.
So what if you're not a tech person? You always listen to whatever the radio gives you and you never even remember to turn on your cell phone. What about talking to your friends in the car while you drive. Do you sometimes turn around to see what's going on? Or do you find yourself refereeing backseat fights between unruly kids? These things can be even more distracting than a phone call or a radio dial. Good drivers avoid all distractions.
Maybe you never use your cell phone in the car, but do you listen to music? No, listening to music in the car isn't a sign of a bad driver, but bad music habits are. Do you ever fiddle with the radio dial, poke buttons on your satellite radio, change CDs, or scroll through songs on your iPod while driving? All of these things take your eyes off the road, at least for a second. Not a big deal, but if you do it excessively, those seconds add up and amount to precious minutes that you aren't looking at the road. Especially in bad weather or in an unfamiliar area, those minutes could lead to an accident.
So what if you're not a tech person? You always listen to whatever the radio gives you and you never even remember to turn on your cell phone. What about talking to your friends in the car while you drive. Do you sometimes turn around to see what's going on? Or do you find yourself refereeing backseat fights between unruly kids? These things can be even more distracting than a phone call or a radio dial. Good drivers avoid all distractions.
Bad Driving Mistakes You Might Not Realize You Make
Distractions may be a common cause of unsafe driving, but usually we realize what we're doing and correct it - hopefully before anyone gets hurt. When the cell phone rings, and you reach to answer it, you know you should be careful. However, there are some mistakes that a majority of people, not just bad drivers, make.
For example, do you get tense when you drive a road known for speed traps? Do you purposely drive extra carefully in an area where a friend says the police stake out? It's only natural to be cautious if you think you might get a ticket, but you should be aware that it may say something about your everyday driving habits. If you knew that all the police officers in town were all on vacation, how would you drive that day? Less carefully? Recklessly even?
How about cursing a crowded parking lot? You're driving very slowly, true, but is all your energy focused on finding a spot? Are you keeping an eye out for cars backing out, or shoppers walking around? Most people are guilty of going into autopilot when they're searching for a parking spot. It's not good driving!
If you've made a few driving mistakes in the past, you're likely paying more for car insurance. Follow safe driving rules, and as your tickets fade from your record, you'll pay less. However, if you feel you're paying too much, do a little comparison shopping. Some car insurance companies specialize in helping drivers who've made a few mistakes. Use carinsurancerates.com to find a company who will give you the lowest possible rates.
For example, do you get tense when you drive a road known for speed traps? Do you purposely drive extra carefully in an area where a friend says the police stake out? It's only natural to be cautious if you think you might get a ticket, but you should be aware that it may say something about your everyday driving habits. If you knew that all the police officers in town were all on vacation, how would you drive that day? Less carefully? Recklessly even?
How about cursing a crowded parking lot? You're driving very slowly, true, but is all your energy focused on finding a spot? Are you keeping an eye out for cars backing out, or shoppers walking around? Most people are guilty of going into autopilot when they're searching for a parking spot. It's not good driving!
If you've made a few driving mistakes in the past, you're likely paying more for car insurance. Follow safe driving rules, and as your tickets fade from your record, you'll pay less. However, if you feel you're paying too much, do a little comparison shopping. Some car insurance companies specialize in helping drivers who've made a few mistakes. Use carinsurancerates.com to find a company who will give you the lowest possible rates.
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