Driving Safety Tips from Allstate Insurace

Allstate Insurance recently released the list of cities with the best driving records in the United States. I’m pretty sure no one cares about that besides the insurance companies, but included in the press release were several driving safety tips of which the business travelers of the world may need to be reminded.

Avoid disastrous distractions – Safe driving takes concentration. If a driver is talking on a cell phone or changing the radio station, he isn’t paying enough attention to the road. Distracted driving is a factor in 25 to 30 percent of all traffic crashes (source: Network of Employers for Traffic Safety).

• I don’t know about you, but I do quite a lot of multi-tasking while driving. Who can help it? Sitting in traffic is by far the BEST time to take care of those phone calls you need to make

Take extra care in wild weather – Sometimes, bad weather conditions will contribute to an accident by interfering with visibility, diminishing traction on the surface of the road, or otherwise making it difficult to keep the car under control. A driver always should take the effects of the weather, such as strong cross winds or slippery roads, into consideration when driving.

• Remember all those times you were driving down the road and your car swerved when a large truck passed? Wind currents.

If you snooze, you lose – Drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 crashes each year, resulting in 40,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths on average (source: Network of Employers for Traffic Safety). On summer road trips, set realistic goals for the number of miles traveled each day. Stop at regular intervals when driving long distances.

• I know when you’ve been on the road for 5 or 6 days you REALLY want to get home. I certainly do. But don’t put yourself or others at risk. Someone wants to see you make it home, whether it’s your family or your cat or your boss.

Steer clear of road rage – If one tailgates, flashes high beams, changes lanes without signaling or drives on the shoulder, then he or she is practicing aggressive driving or road rage. Reduce stress on the road by allowing plenty of time for travel, plan route in advance, and alter schedule or route to avoid congested roads. Angry and unpredictable, remember not to challenge aggressive drivers and stay as far away from them as possible.

• I find cursing at them with my windows rolled up is therapeutic.

Maintenance matters – Ultimately, safety also depends on the maintenance of one’s car. Ensure that car brakes, exhaust system, tires, lights, battery and hoses are in good working order.

Okay, so the tips are mostly common sense. Just keep in mind it’s only a job, especially during the summer with all of the vacation drivers out there who are consulting their maps while they drive.