In the US, there are more than 37,000 fatalities and more than 2.35 million injuries associated with auto accidents each year. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a novice, the fact that vehicles are dangerous pieces of machinery doesn’t change, and we all have room for improvement. Here are some ways we can become better drivers.

Understanding ‘High Risk’ 

First of all, it helps to understand what a “high risk” driver actually is. “The ‘high risk’ label is for drivers who have negative infractions attached to their driving record. It could be tickets, traffic violations, auto accidents, or convictions for driving while under the influence. If you fall under this description, it doesn’t mean that you can’t ever be a good driver. However, it’s essential that you go through the steps to get adequate auto insurance coverage.

Changing Bad Habits 

A lot of how well you drive comes down to habits, and like any habits in life, you can change your driving habits. Here are some examples of adopting good driving habits:

• Never drive while under the influence or sleepy 
• Cut out distractions (e.g., cell phone, radio, maps, etc.)
• Don’t speed
• Learn defensive driving
• Learn how to properly merge in traffic

Driving safely is also critical for fleet drivers. Some safety responsibility is up to the fleet company, but much of it is up to those driving the vehicles. For instance, fleet drivers should always adhere to company safety policy and consistently seek to improve through training and coaching. Also, you should never drive a fleet vehicle if you know it is out of maintenance. 

Knowing Your Vehicle 

Finally, every driver should know the capabilities of their vehicle. Do your research on the make and model of your car so that you can understand the pros and cons, as this can help you avoid certain problems on the road. For example, the Honda Accord provides drivers with exceptional outward visibility and secure brakes but has received criticism for its low seat position and confusing controls. 

The best drivers are the safest drivers; that’s what good driving really comes down to. Make sure you understand what being a high-risk driver is, and take the necessary steps to get good insurance coverage. Change any bad driving habits you may have, and learn about the pros and cons of your vehicle. Becoming a better driver will go a long way in helping you and other drivers on the road get from point A to point B safely. 

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Road trips should be packed with excitement, but you want it to be only the kind that’s fun. A handful of preparations can help ensure your explorations are all positive experiences. Read on for tips that will ensure you and your vehicle are well-prepared for your next adventure together.

Who’s Got Your Back?

Chances are your vehicle is insured, but do you know what your coverage includes? Many people know auto insurance is required in most states, but coverage can be confusing, which is why it’s good to do some research to learn about policies and basic car insurance information.  

Nerdwallet explains there are several types of insurance for vehicles. At minimum, you’ll need liability insurance, which provides coverage for medical expenses as a result of an accident. Liability insurance only pays out on injuries or damages you cause to others; if you’re in a wreck and that’s all the coverage you have, you’re on your own for other expenses. Before your departure, make sure you understand what you have and what’s available to you in case you need to make changes.  

Bells and Whistles

If you are renting a vehicle, just purchased one, or are making your first lengthy excursion in your car, being more familiar with it can make you more comfortable and keep you safer while driving. For instance, familiarity with your instrument panel helps you avoid taking your eyes off the road while you’re searching for buttons and dials. The last thing you want is to have to pull over during a downpour because you can’t find the wipers or to be at a loss for the hazard lights when you’re stopped in construction. Similarly, get to know the pros and cons related to your make and model.

Roadworthy Ride

Ensuring your car is as well-prepared for your travels as you are can be the difference between sitting on the side of the road while waiting for a tow truck and sailing smoothly to and from your destination. With that in mind, either you or an auto mechanic should give it a thorough once-over in advance of your trip.  

If you’re comfortable working on your car, there are routine maintenance tasks you can DIY, such as:

Checking your tires. Don’t underestimate the importance of your vehicle’s tires. As USA Today explains, proper tire pressure can keep you out of an accident, as it directly influences the tire’s grip on the road. It also influences fuel economy and wear on your tires, so check the air pressure of your tires before your trip and adjust accordingly. You should also check your tires for tread depth and dry rot in case it’s time for new ones.

Checking fluids. You should routinely examine the essential fluids in your vehicle for both quantity and quality, including the engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Popular Mechanics offers these step-by-step instructions for checking them. If there is a problem, most fluids require a pro to replace them, although you can change the oil and windshield washer fluid yourself.  

Changing wiper blades. Check your vehicle’s windshield wiper blades to ensure they are in good shape for your upcoming trip. When they are worn, you’ll notice issues like noise when you use them, an inability to clear precipitation well, and even scratches on your windshield. Changing them is easy — just check out this handy tutorial.  

Ensure your adventure is safe and fun with a few careful preparations. Have sufficient insurance, know your vehicle well, and make sure it’s roadworthy. Thanks to your diligence, you can savor every moment on the open road.

Image courtesy of Unsplash

The truth is, accidents can happen to anyone. According to US News, after you have calmed down and properly assessed the situation, it’s important to remember that “while a fender bender tends to be thought of in terms of safety or as an annoyance, it is also a financial transaction.” Before things get out of control and expenses start to grow, here’s what you need to do in order to get back on your feet after an automobile accident. 

1. Determine who’s at fault. If you can come to a peaceful consensus about who caused the accident, chances are that it will be easier to move forward from it. If drugs or alcohol were involved or you can’t come to an agreement on who is responsible, you will need to get the authorities involved. Evidence will need to documented and court proceedings scheduled. If you were under the influence, start by being honest and accepting responsibility for your actions. Causing injury or damage while using substances is a costly endeavor for anyone involved.  

2. Exchange information. Make sure each of you have the other’s insurance information and phone numbers. If there are only minor scuffs, you both may choose to forgo officially reporting the accident, and instead, handle it personally. This means you can either take care of repairing your respective vehicles on your own or trust that the other will pay his or her part after you have gotten a quote. Either way, take the time to snap a few photos of the scene before you go so you can file a police report or contact your insurance company later if you see fit.

   Significant damage and/or injuries mean that everything will need to go through each of your insurance companies in order to determine who will pay for what. If this is the case, contact your insurance provider right away to start a claim. Make sure you get a copy of the police report, which will support your insurance claim and provide proof of your rights to any hospital and vehicle repair reimbursements. Keep in mind that obtaining a police report will cost a few dollars, and if you do not have proof of insurance on you, you run the risk of incurring an additional ticket from a police officer. According to the DMV, if your vehicle is completely totaled, sometimes “it makes more financial sense to sell its parts than to try to repair it and apply for a salvage title.”

3. Consider hiring a lawyer. Even if the other driver’s insurance pays out, it may not be enough or occur in a timely manner. You could be left footing the bill for some time until they can properly compensate you. It may be that their insurance company doesn’t pay out at all, and you need to seek outside counsel to get the help you need to regain lost wages or cover legal fees. Before you hire a lawyer, make sure you do your research by checking their track records and getting recommendations from those who have been in your shoes before.

If you were at fault for the accident and had to pay out, know that this will most likely result in your insurance premiums increasing, as you have proven yourself more costly to cover. Look around and get quotes from various companies to make sure you are getting the best deal. 

However expensive, you should always carry auto insurance so that both you and other drivers are protected financially. Consider getting full coverage from here on out so you can have peace of mind if and when this happens again.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.