By Catherine T Wilson
Are you a good driver? Most people answer that question in the affirmative, even if they have a bad driving habit or two. However, these bad driving habits can actually increase your chances of experiencing a motor vehicle accident. Not only can addressing your bad habits help you to stay safe while driving, but this can actually help to lower your insurance rates!
Talking or texting while driving is an extremely dangerous habit which causes many accidents each year. In fact, some studies say that the driving behaviors of people that talk or text while driving are very similar to those people who drink and drive. Because it is so dangerous, it is now illegal to text or talk on the phone while driving in Canada.
However, people still engage in these dangerous behaviors. If you are caught talking on the phone or texting while driving, you can get a ticket. In some cases, you may be distracted and may actually be in a car accident. Either way, your insurance rates are likely to increase.
Tailgating is another common bad habit. When you tailgate, you increase your chances of being in an accident enormously. In addition, you are bound to seriously irritate the driver in front of you. There are cases of drivers slamming on their brakes because they are being tailgated.
If you should happen to hit the car in front of you, the accident will be deemed your fault. In addition to insurance premiums and possible medical expenses, you will also need to deal with an increase in your insurance premiums. Basically, tailgating isn't worth the risks associated with this behavior.
Speeding, or traveling above the set speed limit, is one of the most common bad habits in which drivers engage. Speeding is extremely dangerous and greatly increases your chances of being in a car accident. This is because the faster you travel, the longer it takes you to stop.
If you need to stop suddenly, you may not be able to stop your car in time. In some cases, you may be pulled over by a policeman and ticketed for speeding. Not only will the fine affect your pocketbook immediately, but you may find that it affects your insurance rates when it is time to renew your auto policy.
It is important to keep your eyes on the road and pay attention to the roadway instead of straining to see what your children are doing in the back seat. If necessary, pull of to the side of the road to address any issues that arise.
Breaking bad habits can take some work, but it can be done. Allow enough time to reach your destination so that you don't feel the need to speed or tailgate. If you have a very young child, you may want to have an older child or another adult sit in the back seat to supervise.
You may want to put your phone out of reach so that you are not tempted to text or talk on the phone while driving. If you need to make a call or answer the phone, pull over to the side of the road. Breaking these bad habits can not only decrease your chances of being in an accident, but it can also decrease your car insurance premiums too!
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