South Dakota Sees Rise in Traffic Fatalities: How to Protect Yourself
Terry Woster, Department of Public Safety spokesman, said that 125 people have died in car accidents this year. The state had enjoyed a 20% decrease in 2011 but the new numbers are troubling. At this time, they cannot pinpoint a reason as to why deaths have increased from last year but continue to make progress on getting numbers down overall. Motorcycle deaths have been cut in half and the majority of people driving are buckling up. This is positive news because it demonstrates that citizens are taking safety into their own hands. It can generally be said that by taking the necessary precautions, it makes it easier to avoid an accident.
What Does a Safe Driver Look Like?
Safe driving begins with you. No one else is will make you a safe driver. You can go to safe driving courses all day at your local DMV but if you choose to ignore their lessons, you are placing yourself and others at risk. When you take chances while driving, there is a higher chance that something you might be doing is illegal. While it might not seem like a big deal, continually racking up tickets for speeding and not wearing a seat belt can equal one big cost. Your insurance company is consistently notified if something changes on your driving record and they have the ability to raise your premiums to offset your potential cost. Not only will practicing safe driving skills benefit you and your fellow drivers, your wallet will benefit from your lower premiums.
A Crash Course in Safe Driving
Don’t Be So Angry
Avoid aggressive driving. Most of us can recognize it when we see it but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines it as when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.” If you realize you are going to be late or someone has maybe cut you off, avoid the temptation to act recklessly to get somewhere on time or exact revenge. It’s not worth it.
Just a Few Won’t Hurt
Don’t drive drunk. Alcohol impairs your judgment and you might think you are fine to drive but in all actuality, your blood alcohol content is way above the legal limit. This affects your coordination and reaction time, which is a dangerous combination when driving. If you are well aware of the effect of alcohol and completely abstain from drinking and driving, thank you. Yet there are still those out there who insist on driving impaired and you should know how to protect yourself. If you suspect someone is drunk due to their erratic driving habit, be very defensive.
You should be prepared to act quickly and be sure to keep your distance. Get in touch with local law enforcement so that they can prevent someone from a serious accident.
Wear Your Seatbelt
A seat belt is made to keep you safe. It
will prevent you from flying through a windshield or crashing into the dashboard. It can save lives and in many states, it’s the absolute law. Don’t disobey it. You could end up with a ticket and that might be the best case scenario.
Distracted Driving
Many people automatically think of cell phones and texting when it comes to driving and they are right. Texting is fast becoming the number one target for state officials and law enforcement and texting bans have been enacted in 39 states and D.C. This is because texting involves the three kinds of distracted driving: manual, visual, and cognitive. But there are other ways that a driver can be distracted. Children in the backset, food in their lap, trying to read a GPS, and you may not be distracted by anything and fall asleep. You are operating a large piece of machinery and should approach it as such. When driving, turn off your cell phone and do your best to focus on the road.
Defensive Driving
This involves a variety of skills and is something that can be built up over time. The more experience one has on the road, the more prepared you are for some situations that may arise but there are some basic tenants you can follow even as a beginner. Don’t speed. According to the NHTSA, speed was a factor in 31% of all crashes in 2008, this included 11, 674 lives lost. You can also get varying levels of violations depending on the speed limit and how fast you travel. It is best to mind the signs. Look out for other people that speed as well or make erratic driving moves. If you notice someone consistently slamming on brakes, be sure not to follow too closely. It could result in a rear end collision, for which you would be blamed.
If you can do all of the above in addition to keeping your vehicle in a good working condition, you will be able to maintain a very good auto insurance policy. If you receive lots of tickets, your insurance premiums will be higher but some insurance companies offer incentives for safe drivers. While your number one incentive should be securing your safety, saving money never hurts. Companies such as Progressive and All State even offer monitors that can be placed in your car. The monitor tracks your driving habits and based upon its findings, your premiums can decrease anywhere from 10-30%.
It is also important to make sure you have the coverage you need. Many states only require liability but that may not be enough in the case of a serious accident. Speak with your insurance agent to set limits on your comprehensive and collision coverage that is in line with your needs and your budget. By being properly insured and practicing safe driving habits, you can decrease your chances of being in an accident as well as live with the peace of mind that just in case one happens, you are protected.
