Reduce Auto Insurance Claims with Defensive Driving

General Rules of the Road

• You and your passengers should be buckled up.
• Children under the age of twelve should always be in the proper safety restraint in the back seat.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for children playing near roadways. Watch out for fallen trees and debris in the roadway.
• Avoid driving in inclement weather unless it is absolutely necessary.

Looking Out for the Other Guy – The Two Second Rule

Watch the vehicle in front of you pass a fixed object. Count "one thousand one, one thousand two." If your vehicle reaches the fixed marker before you finish counting you are following too closely. Ease off the accelerator and count again. Add an extra second between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you for each of the following conditions:

• Driving through an intersection
• Driving at night, in fog, rain or snow
• Driving behind a vehicle you can't see around or behind a motorcycle

Ways To Avoid Head-On Collisions (The 4 R's)

• Read the road
• Reduce your speed
• Drive to the Right
• Ride off of the road to the right if necessary

Inclement Weather – Surviving the Winter Cold (what to do before you travel)

• Clean your vehicle of ice and snow. This includes the entire vehicle. Debris left on a vehicle can become a missile when the vehicle is put into operation.
• Let your windows fully defrost before you drive. It is very important you have full visibility of the entire roadway.
• When warming up your car, make sure it is in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon-monoxide build-up. Also, you may want to lock the car and use a spare key to re-enter to prevent theft of vehicle.
• Always keep mirrors properly adjusted.
• Remember that bridges and overpasses freeze first.

Maintenance Checks

• Keep oil changed regularly. See your maintenance guide for manufacturer suggestions.
• Check your coolant.
• Windshield Washer Fluid – make sure it has an anti-freeze agent.
• Battery – tends to run down more rapidly in cold weather. A dead battery can leave you stranded.
• Tires (including spare) – should be inflated to pressure recommended by manufacturer. Over-inflated or under-inflated tires can reduce vehicle traction or maneuverability.
• Half-tank or More Fuel – you never know how far you may have to travel to find an open gas station, or how long you may be stuck in traffic.
• Make sure your wiper blades are in good shape.

Recommended Emergency Equipment

• A flashlight
• Some road flares
• A fire extinquisher
• A set of jumper cables
• A quality ice scraper
• A first aid kit

Protect yourself and everyone who rides in your vehicle – Always wear your seatbelt and insist that everyone else in your vehicle is buckled up.

 

Remember, never drive after drinking. You should also take steps to make sure others don't drive while intoxicated. Drunk drivers are a threat to not only themselves, but to everyone else on the road.