Tips for Safe Driving Every Safe Driver Should Follow

Nine Tips for Safe Driving Every  safe driver Should Keep in Mind

1. Drivers should know, before they rev up their engines, where they are going. Knowing how to get from point A to point B is a driving skill. Whether you consult a map, your GPS device or Goggled driving directions, know where you’re going and how to get there.
2. Folks behind the wheel should be aware of what’s going on around them. They should continually glance into their rear-view mirrors, side-view mirrors, to the left, to the right and straight ahead. Master drivers develop a sense of what’s happening around them.
3. Knowing how to react to something that happens is as important as the timing when to react to a driving event. Which way do you turn your wheels if you start skidding in snow? When must you slam on the brakes, and when should you pump them? The safe driver‘s manual is everyone’s best friend.
4. Defensive driving is the best technique for keeping people safe. Defensive drivers are alert and aware that anything can happen from any direction. Drivers should, at all times, make sure they leave enough space between their vehicles and cars ahead of them to stop in case of an unexpected event ahead of them.
5. Drive the speed limit, except when the safe speed is a slower speed. Speed limits are set for the best driving conditions. Rain, sleet, fog and amount of traffic on the road dictate a lower speed limit. Going with the flow of traffic is also a good rule of thumb.
6. There is no appropriate time for making cell phone calls or text-messaging while driving. There is no appropriate time for making cell phone calls or text-messaging while driving. It  is no good time… Do not do it.
7. Mature, safe drivers do not hit the brakes to throw off tailgaters. Neither are they intimidated into driving faster than is safe. Gradually slowing down and giving tailgaters an opportunity to pass works sometimes. At others, the tailgater simply needs to calm down and go with the flow.
8. Keeping a calm, level head works wonders when other drivers try to cut you off or drive too slowly ahead of you. Emotion has no place behind the wheel of a vehicle.
9. Safe driver is courteous to other drivers and pedestrians. They let other drivers know what they are doing by using proper signals. They keep their minds on their driving and their hands on the wheel.

Special Report for Parents of Teen Drivers

What You Must Know Before You Turn Over the Car Keys!

These Simple Five Steps Every Parent Should Follow Before Turning Over the Keys to a Teen safe driver.

Congratulations on taking steps to help make your teen a safer driver!

There are probably all kinds of thoughts going through your mind during this period of parenthood. Your innocent, young child has reached a milestone in life that brings a new freedom they have been dreaming about for the last 15-16 years!

Your child’s dependence on you has just been reduced tremendously. And I know you are probably a little relieved you don’t have to shuffle them around all over town. But in the back of your mind, you can only hope that all your guidance will be enough to help him or her stay safe behind the wheel.

But simply hoping doesn’t give you peace of mind, does it?

Teen drivers are five times more likely to get into a car accident than an experienced  safer driver, and car accidents are the leading cause of death of teens.

Almost every Monday morning when I read our local newspaper, there is a story about a teenager getting killed in an accident or killing someone else. At the time I am writing this report, there were 2 such stories of teen-related fatal accidents in my paper this morning.

The first accident involved an 18 year old that was beginning his senior year. He was a junior firefighter who was promoted to the team at his 18th birthday just a month ago. He was speeding (65 in a 45), lost control of his car, went into a ditch, rolled his car and was killed instantly. (By the way, he wasn’t wearing his seatbelt.)

As tragic as this story is, the only blessing was no one else was involved. No one else was killed or injured.

The second story involved three teenagers out having a good time Saturday night. The 18 year driver had been drinking and using a prescription drug called “Xanax”. He lost control of the car and ran off the road into an embankment. His 18 year old girlfriend was killed. Her younger sister and the safe driver survived the accident with minor injuries.

You may think your child is responsible and would never be involved with something this tragic. You may be right, but one simple mistake is all it takes to create a tragic car accident!

He was charged with DWI, reckless driving, and other charges are pending. Most likely, manslaughter will be added.

We read similar stories almost all the time. I am sure you are well aware of them

When you get down to the root of why so many teenagers cause accidents, they don’t fully understand the consequences their actions can cause. One simple mistake in judgment can lead to the worst of situations.

The reason why I am sharing these stories and examples of what can happen is because I have seen it happen too often during my years in this business. And I don’t want it to EVER happen to you- and probably no other insurance agent has ever shared this with you.