Three Ways to Protect Yourself as a Driver

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One of the best ways to solve a problem is prevention and being prepared. Not smoking will decrease your chances of getting cancer. Not sitting on the couch, and opting for that daily 5 kilometers run minimize your risks of obesity. There are preventive measures one can take to reduce risk in nearly anything.

We are often reminded of danger when we see others during some unfortunate event. Driving is something that we do daily, and it is essential to remember to practice safety while driving. When it comes to driving, here are three ways to prevent putting yourself in an unwanted future predicament.

Get Car Insurance

Not only does car insurance protect the driver and passengers in your vehicle, but it also protects the other people involved in any unforeseen accident. 

In addition to financial protection, car insurance protects you legally. The people at BrokerLink Insurance advise it is against the law in Canada to drive without insurance. At a minimum, you are required to have liability and accident benefits coverage.

Depending on your age, marital status, where you live, and the kind of car you drive, rates may vary. So it makes sense to shop around before deciding on your final insurance purchase.

Avoid Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is anything you do behind the wheel that reduces a driver’s decision-making, awareness, or performance.

Talking or texting on a cellphone, smoking, entering a GPS location, or even eating are considered distracted driving. Depending on the province in which you live, policy and penalties differ. 

Since 2000, deaths have doubled in Ontario from distracted driving, thus forcing Canada to enact strict regulations. Even stopped at red lights, these laws apply. Punishment includes fines, demerit points, and license suspension.  

Maintain Your Car

Vehicle maintenance will also keep you safer on the road than neglecting the upkeep of your car.

Be sure to change brake pads and keep brake fluid at reasonable levels to reduce the risk of them failing, as that may cause a severe accident. Tires should be in good condition as well. Make sure they have proper air pressure and enough threading. Poor tire quality can lead to blowouts putting yourself and those around you in danger, especially on fast-moving freeways.

In addition to tires and brakes, headlights and rear lights should be in working order. Driving in the dark increases risks of accidents, and weak brake lights raise your risk of being hit from behind.  

Never Let Your Guard Down When Driving

Many of us get comfortable driving and forget that we are behind a machine that can potentially cause a lot of damage if used negligently. 

For the majority of the time, we are not driving alone on the road. Being safe protects others, but most importantly, it helps us preserve ourselves.