Road collisions can damage a vehicle and leave you with costly repairs. They can also injure the people involved. However, most road accidents are preventable if you take precautions while driving. Although carrying auto insurance protects you from liabilities and other expenses, below are a few safe driving tips to help you avoid accidents in the first place.

How to Stay Safe While Driving

1. Remain Focused

Taking your attention away from the road for a second could be enough to cause an accident. When you’re behind the wheel, avoid multitasking as much as possible. Refrain from using your mobile phone, eating, or looking for something in the car, as this will reduce your reaction time to potential dangers. It is also more challenging to stop or maneuver around an obstacle when focusing on something other than driving.

2. Avoid Driving Drunk

Despite countless public reminders about drunk driving, some people still disregard the law. Alcohol impairs your senses, slowing down your reaction time to road conditions, which increases the risk of an accident. Moreover, if the police catch you, you will face stiff fines and a possible jail sentence. This also causes your auto insurance rate to rise since you pose a significant risk for accidents. 

3. Stay in the Lane

One of the best ways to practice defensive driving is to control the urge to weave between lanes. Careless actions often lead to road accidents because pedestrians or other drivers cannot avoid you in time. If you must switch lanes, do so with caution and use the turn signals. Remember that you might not see other vehicles that are in your blind spots, so look around quickly before proceeding.

4. Wear a Seatbelt

Never drive without making fastening your seatbelt. It takes only a few seconds to accomplish, but it is a potential lifesaver during an accident. If you have children, always put them in the appropriate car or booster seats, depending on their age and height. Without a safety restraint, you can sustain more severe injuries because a collision can throw you around the vehicle.

For your auto insurance needs, trust 1st Choice Insurance in Fairfield, OH. This family-owned and -operated insurance broker offers many insurance policies that cover boats, motorcycles, and SR-22 bonds. They also provide high-risk insurance and other plans to suit every client. Call (513) 860-0666 to make an appointment with a friendly insurance agent. Visit the website for more information about their services.