From congested interstate traffic in Milwaukee and the Fox Valley to country roads in the Driftless Region and Northwoods, traffic accidents can happen anywhere in Wisconsin. This blog highlights five driving habits to break for safer roads and to prevent your car insurance premiums from skyrocketing.
Driving distracted
Have you ever driven behind someone who repeatedly veers into other lanes? Or forced to beep at the driver ahead of you who’s stopped at a green light? There’s a good chance the driver is texting, checking email, or scrolling through a social media feed.
Using a phone while driving is one of the most common forms of distracted driving and is illegal in many states. It impedes your ability to react quickly to hazards and significantly increases the risk of accidents.
If you’re guilty of sneaking a peek while driving, break the habit by:
- Silencing your phone or placing it out of reach while driving
- Pulling over to a safe location if you need to use your phone
- Using hands-free devices for calls (remember, talking can still be distracting)
Other distractions that take your eyes off the road include:
- Adjusting mirrors, temperature controls, and audio settings
- Eating
- Grooming
If you have trouble resisting distractions while behind the wheel, use an app that blocks notifications or enable driving mode on your phone.
Speeding
Speeding is also quite common and increases the risk of accidents. Revving up to 85 mph on Highway 29 outside of Wausau or carelessly doing 45 mph in a Sheboygan school zone would:
- Reduce your ability to react to an unexpected situation
- Increase stopping distance
- Diminish the effectiveness of airbags and seat belts
What’s more, speeding tickets can tarnish your driving record and raise your insurance premiums. In cases of excessive speeding, some states may even suspend your license or revoke it. A minute or two saved isn’t worth the safety risks and financial consequences.
Always be aware of speed limits and adjust your speed based on road conditions, considering factors like weather, visibility, and traffic congestion. Pay attention to areas with increased police presence, such as school zones and construction zones.
Cutting cars off
We’ve all been on the receiving end of getting cut off by another driver. It’s maddening.
No matter which side you’re on, it’s dangerous for both parties. Here’s what you can do to keep yourself and others safe:
Use your turn signal: This seems like no-brainer, but many forget to do it. Always flick on the blinker before merging or changing lanes to show your intention to other drivers.
Maintain a safe following distance: Following too closely often leads to cutting off other drivers. While a three-second gap between vehicles is a good rule of thumb, be sure to increase this distance at higher speeds or when the weather is bad.
Disregarding traffic signs
Don’t listen to anyone who says, “No cop, no stop.”
Obeying traffic signs and signals is crucial for safe and responsible driving. Common violations include running stop signs, ignoring speed limits, failing to yield right of way, and disregarding no entry signs.
To break the bad habit of disregarding traffic signs, follow these tips:
- Stay alert: Pay close attention to the road and traffic signs. As mentioned above, avoid using your phone or eating while driving.
- Refresh your knowledge: Review the driver’s manual or take a refresher course to understand the meaning and significance of different traffic signs.
- Plan your route: Plan your route in advance and get familiar with the various signs you may encounter. This helps with anticipation and response time.
- Practice defensive driving: Adopt a defensive driving mindset, being vigilant for traffic signs and following their instructions, even if others do not.
Driving under the influence
While it may seem obvious, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense with significant legal and personal consequences.
Legal consequences of DUI vary by state but generally include fines, license suspension, and imprisonment. Personal consequences include higher insurance premiums, employment difficulties, and strained relationships. And of course, driving while under the influence is a major safety risk for yourself and others.
There’s no excuse for drunk driving with so many alternatives available, like:
- Ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft)
- Taxis
- Public transportation
- Designated drivers
Lastly, be aware of medication effects and avoid driving if there’s a chance your judgment and reaction time could be impaired.
You can’t control other drivers, but breaking these bad driving habits will put you in control of your safety and auto insurance premiums.
If you’re currently exploring coverage options, a local Rural Mutual agent can draw up a sensible plan that puts you in the driver’s seat.
