What makes you safe on the roads? If everyone drove safely, we wouldn’t have much to worry about, but unfortunately that isn’t the case. As you can’t control what other drivers do, it’s up to you to contribute to your own safety. Safe driving habits can also lead to cheaper insurance rates. Your auto insurance company will reward you with cheap vehicle insurance rates if you can demonstrate a safe driving record.

You need to be proactive to drive safely. Pay attention and know what is going on around you. You need to know where other vehicles are, what the traffic lights are doing, and you need to know what other drivers are doing or might do. Assume that every driver on the roads is an idiot - except for you. Practice safe defensive driving; that is, looking out for the mistakes that other drivers make or might make. Watch out for their inattention, their potential road rage, and any drug or alcohol impaired driving behaviour.

When approaching traffic lights that have just turned green, take a quick look at the traffic approaching the red light – doing so gives you the opportunity to spot any drivers who are likely to travel through the red light.

By being attentive to the situation and other drivers around you you’ll find that most causes of accidents can be eliminated. The ultimate goal of safe driving is no accidents which mean no claims, and therefore no increased rate.

Insurance Management Associates can provide you with more information on safe driving practices and auto insurance rates.