The Safest Drivers in the Country

If you are looking to buy cheap auto insurance, you will find that it not only pays to shop around for the best rate, but to also have an excellent driving record. Typically, road users with the best records are those who practice safe driving. Who are the safest drivers in the country? According to Forbes Magazine, Rhode Island is the state with the safest drivers in the U.S. for 2009, while Allstate Insurance Company ranked Sioux Falls, South Dakota as the safest city of drivers in 2009 for its fourth consecutive year. In both cases, these were the areas credited with the lowest automotive accidents. This may leave you with the question – what makes the drivers in this state and city so safe?

There are different factors that contribute to safe driving in particular regions that lead to fewer auto accidents and cheap auto insurance. For instance, Rhode Island has strict traffic laws, such as: laws against aggressive driving, helmet laws, strict blood-alcohol-level enforcement for drivers, and has banned texting while driving.

However, that being said, in some cases it’s not only having stricter driving laws that makes roads safe and results in fewer accidents. Sometimes, it is the educational incentives that lead to safer roads. For instance, according to the director of Rhode Island’s Department of Transportation, Michael Lewis, the state apparently spends close to one million dollars per year in government grants on television and radio ads, as well as media events to encourage road safety awareness, with their primary target group being males aged 18 – 34, the group that is statistically linked to the most accidents.

Essentially, what it all boils down to is that if you want cheap auto insurance, you need to be safe when you are behind the wheel. Allstate considers the following to be safe driving tips drivers should keep in mind:

• Limiting distractions – Your focus should be on driving when you are behind the wheel. Talking on a cell phone, text messaging, applying makeup, changing radio stations, smoking, etc. All of these things are distractions that take away your awareness.
• Be mindful of road conditions – Adverse weather conditions (i.e. rain, fog, ice, snow) require your full attention, slower speed, and extra caution.
• Keep a safe distance between you and other cars – You should maintain a minimum of one car length space between your car and the vehicle in front of you for every 10 mph (miles per hour) of speed at all times.
• Remain calm and avoid road rage – Plan your route ahead of time, try to avoid rush hour, and when you encounter aggressive drivers do your best to avoid them and get out of their way.
• Maintain your vehicle – Ensure all parts of your vehicle (i.e. tires, brakes, lights, exhaust system, battery, etc.) and its systems are in working order by having it checked and tuned up on a regular basis.

These are some of the best and most practical ways to avoid accidents, and increase the chance of cheap auto insurance. Don’t depend on other road users to make the right decisions. It’s up to you to obey laws and be safe.

Filed Under: Driving • Misc • Safety