10 essential vehicle safety tips

More than 30% of fatal car accidents involve alcohol. Alcohol impairs your ability to drive in several ways, including:

• Reduced reaction time

• Reduced judgment

• Reduced coordination

• Increased risk-taking

• Impaired vision

• Drowsiness

Even low levels of alcohol can reduce your reaction time and contribute to reckless driving choices. 

Not only is drunk driving dangerous, it's also a crime—both driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI). In the United States, operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher can result in jail time, hefty fines, and insurance ramifications.

When you wear your seat belt as a front-seat passenger, you can limit your chances of moderate to severe injuries by 50%. You can also reduce the chance of a fatality by 45%. It may seem obvious, but one in 10 drivers and passengers report not wearing their seat belt.

You can't get any more essential and easy than buckling up whenever you're in the car.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teens aged 16–19. Unfortunately, this age group also has a fatal crash rate nearly three times as high as drivers aged 20 and older. 

Whether you're a parent or simply an adult teaching someone how to drive, it's up to you to explain the risks of distracted driving, drunk driving, and other dangerous behaviors. You can set a good example by following safe driving practices and reinforcing the importance of responsible driving.

Encourage your teen drivers to limit the number of passengers in their cars, avoid using their phones while driving, and never get behind the wheel after drinking.

Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your vehicle running smoothly and reducing the risk of accidents.

Make sure the mechanic does the following at your regular check-ups:

• Checks the brakes

• Checks the battery

• Inspects and rotates/balances the tires

• Changes the oil

• Ensures the lights are working

• Checks the windshield wipers

• Inspects the belts and hoses

• Checks the fluids

• Check the suspension and steering

If the mechanic finds any issues during the inspection, have them fix the problem areas immediately. You don't want the issues to turn into bigger headaches—and larger safety hazards—down the road.

Defensive driving involves being aware of your surroundings and anticipating potential hazards on the road. Make sure you're driving defensively by:

• Staying alert and avoiding distractions

• Keeping a safe following distance

• Scanning the road ahead for potential hazards

• Following the speed limit and all traffic laws

• Using your signal when you need to turn

You can even get a discount on most insurance policies for participating in a defensive driver course.

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents—and death—on the roadway. Avoid this deadly habit by:

• Storing your mobile phone while driving

• Limiting how often you touch and look at your GPS, radio, and other electronics

• Limiting conversation with passengers

• Avoiding eating and drinking

• Using voice commands if your car is equipped with voice-activated technology

Did you know that driving while drowsy is as dangerous as driving drunk or high? Like alcohol and drugs, driving drowsy can impair your ability to drive safely and react quickly. Avoid drowsy driving by:

• Getting enough sleep

• Driving only during your regular waking hours

• Taking breaks

• Recognizing when you're tired so you can pull over for a nap or ask a passenger to drive for a while

Sharing the road is an important part of being a safe driver. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Be aware of other vehicles and any nearby pedestrians or cyclists

• Yield to pedestrians—they always have the right of way

• Pass cyclists at a safe distance and never honk at them

• Always use your turn signals

Sixty-six percent of traffic fatalities come from aggressive driving and road rage. To keep your cool on the road, give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Rushing around often leaves people feeling anxious while driving. So leave early, listen to calming music or your favorite podcast, and avoid gesturing if other drivers do something you don’t like.

Tailgating—following too closely behind the vehicle ahead of you—is a dangerous habit. Instead, stay an appropriate distance from them. Experts recommend keeping at least three seconds between your vehicle and the one in front. To do this, pick a stationary object on the road, such as a sign or a tree, and count the seconds it takes to reach the object after the leading vehicle passes it.

Car safety and protecting yourself and your fellow drivers is essential, but accidents can still happen. We offer a variety of affordable and valuable auto coverage options to help protect you financially if an accident occurs. Contact us today to learn more.