14 Ways to Fix Your Bad Driving Habits

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Fixing Your Bad Driving Habits to Better Rates

When buying car insurance, you might have wondered what criteria your insurance company uses to set rates accordingly. Back in the day, various data like age, sex, geographical location, and credit score were used to determine whether you are a high-risk customer or not. These days, driving behavior data is used, sometimes on top of the other listed factors.

You will agree that the insurance rates nowadays are at an all-time high. Therefore, any motorist would like to be informed on anything that can help reduce road carnage and to avoid hefty insurance costs. Hardly anything is as easy as adopting poor driving habits, and many motorists become culprits all the time. As a result, they will need to get coverage for a bad driving record.

Distracted Driving

According to statistics, over 75% of all accidents are caused by driver inattention. Avoid involving yourself in other activities be it calling, talking, and many more. Decide in advance the route that you will use and program your music list before starting off, to avoid being distracted while driving. This is just one way to turn bad habits around.

Not Keeping Safe Distance

Following the next vehicle too closely may lead to an accident. Pick a landmark like a tree or building that the car in front passes and set approximately 4 seconds before you pass it. This gives you a perfect distance to stop without hitting the front car.

Not Checking Your Blind Spot

Before switching lanes or negotiating corners, always check your side mirrors. This will stop you from running into other drivers’ blind spots. Reckless drivers are fond of this, but you can also easily fall victim to someone not paying attention because of poor driving skills.

Speeding

Over-speeding accounts for not less than 22% of road fatalities. Despite many drivers knowing this, they still won’t break from ignoring the speed limit. As much as speeding after a while feels normal and safer, it actually isn’t.

Drowsy Driving

It’s always advisable to take a rest after approximately 100 miles of driving or 2 hours of continuous driving. Many motorists confess to having fallen asleep while driving. This will not only affect your insurance but is equally deadly.

Driving Next to Large Vehicles

Large trucks and vehicles can cause traffic disturbances on adjacent winds and road debris. Therefore, accelerate steadily and overtake them carefully. Also, keep distance as it’s harder for large vehicles to stop than small ones.

Driving Without Seat Belt

Not only does this apply to drivers, passengers are also at risk if they don’t buckle up. This is the first precaution that should be taken by motorists but unfortunately, many forget.

Conflict Inducing Talks

No one knows when it will happen, however, avoid anything that can warrant conflicts while driving.  Attention to road and traffic signals is taken away, hence bad drivers cause accidents. Road rage is not worth the potential fatal crashes.

Sudden Breaking

Many drivers are fond of stopping suddenly while at high speeds. The rear driver may ram into your vehicle from behind causing injuries.

Driving So Fast in Poor Conditions

Driving at low speeds during bad weather such as winter will keep you safe. Many motorists though, over-speed during this season and subsequently cause fatalities.

Not Observing Traffic Signals

Mostly at night, many drivers ignore traffic signals, thereby ending up in accidents. Not only do they drive through an amber light, but nowadays, they also drive through the red light.

Carelessly Switching Lanes

Weaving in and out of lanes is the surest way to collide with other vehicles or cause panic to other drivers making them cause accidents. Always stick to your lane, unless you have to switch lanes.

Texting

This distracts you from concentrating on the road and traffic signals, leading to road carnage.

Risky Left Hand Turns

Avoid risky left turns without observing on-coming vehicles. It is shocking that most experience drivers are fond of this dangerous behavior.