Speeding and Accidents: Don't Pay the Price

Maybe you're running late or just love driving fast. Or maybe you just had an argument with a friend or family member that has gotten you upset. Whatever the case may be, consider how speed affects your chances of an accident before you slam down on the gas pedal. An average driver's reaction time is one-and-a-half seconds which for example means driving just three miles over the speed limit doubles your chances for an auto insurance accident. Be a smart and cautious driver and obey all posted speed limit signs because you don't want to pay the price when it comes to your car insurance rates. Accident and tickets can rate your car insurance policy up and the more you have the more you will have to pay so slowdown and relax. Here are some other factors to consider:

• Preoccupied with Other Things: Today more than ever, we live in a face-paced world where people are constantly on the move. And sometimes we do certain things while driving to keep up with society for example talking on our cell phones, eating on the go, reading or even texting. All of these things can distract a driver from focusing on the road ahead. And when this happens, speeding usually occurs which can lead to auto insurance accidents. And sometimes those accidents can be fatal. So take note now and put everything aside until after you have parked and turned off your car. The world can wait.
• Braking Distance: There are a few variables that go into braking distance such as your speed, a street's incline or decline, the condition of your tires and road conditions. According to physics, your braking distance is proportional to the square of your speed. That means the faster you drive, the greater the distance required to slow down. Take your time especially when road conditions are questionable and always keep your eyes on the road. Your auto insurance can reward you for being a safe driver.
• Following Too Closely: Some drivers have a tendency to follow another vehicle too closely behind. This is yet just another driving factor to always keep in mind not to do whenever you're on the road. Even if you're attentive to the actions of the car ahead of you, the probability of a collision in the circumstance when the person driving ahead of you suddenly brakes is unavoidable. Again, proper distance and speed is imperative to make well-planned, good driving decisions. Accidents resulting from this reason usually hold negligent the person following too closely behind and results in their auto insurance prices going up. Some insurance companies will surcharge an auto policy due to an at-fault accident for three years while others may go back five years. This could mean paying a whole lot of extra money for years to come on auto insurance.
• Control and Handling: It's a fact, the faster you drive the less likely you're in control of your vehicle no matter how well you think you know your car. The faster you're moving, the greater the force between your tires and the road which could bring on and accident or worse. Many accidents are the cause of speeding and it only takes a split second to lose control of your vehicle. You might believe you have a good driving handle on your car but the faster you drive the less chance you have of stopping to avoid a collision, spin out or even an overturn.

Driving is a privilege, not a right. If you choose to speed then be prepared to pay the consequences. Make no doubt about it, your auto insurance company will raise your rates for speeding and accidents and most likely it will be a substantial amount so obey the rules of the road at all times.