Everyone needs to learn how to be a good defensive driver. Knowing what to do makes the roadways safer and help to prevent unnecessary accidents. In Blue Ridge, GA, the independent insurance agents at The Insurance Mart would like to share a few defensive driving techniques that will make you a better and more conscientious driver.

1. Increase your visual field. Many new drivers only look at what is directly in front of them. So, they only see the taillights in front of them. This could be dangerous if you aren’t focusing on what’s ahead. If traffic conditions change up ahead, you will be able to see it coming and prepare to slow or stop your vehicle.
2. Always have an escape route. It may take some time to learn this, but as soon as you’ve been in a close call, you’ll understand why it is necessary to have an escape plan when you’re driving. For example, the semi-truck in front of you has a tire that blows out suddenly. Having several feet of distance between you and the truck will give you the right amount of time to escape a collision.
3. Eliminate various driving distractions. The biggest driving distraction in recent history is the cell phone. It is easy to think that you’ll be quick and reply to a text message, but it only takes a second for an accident to occur.Other distractions that you should avoid include eating, drinking, changing your music selections, adjusting your seat belt, and disruptive passengers.

If you are in the Blue Ridge, GA area, come in and talk with our agents at The Insurance Mart. We can discuss new auto policies or adjust your current coverage. We can also get you started on any home, commercial, recreational vehicle, life, health, or renters insurance policies that you may need.

If you live in Blue Ridge, GA, then you will almost definitely need a car to get around really. And if you have a car then you will need auto insurance, preferably through a local broker like The Insurance Mart who serves the local Blue Ridge area. However, some people don’t get insurance or underinsure themselves which can leave them vulnerable to financial ruin if they have an accident or are not covered enough to allow the insurance being able to pay for everything associated with the accident. Below are some tips for people to keep their monthly premiums low and affordable.

ADD MORE PEOPLE TO YOUR POLICY

The more people you have on your policy who have good driving records, you will get lower premiums overall if everyone is splitting the cost of the insurance equally. So if you have others in your family who need insurance, get on the same policy so you can get better rates. The more, the merrier and cheaper.

DRIVE A SAFER, LESS EXPENSIVE VEHICLE

Safer vehicles that are not very expensive to fix will yield a lower insurance premium as well, as it will not be as big a risk for the insurance policy. So if you are considering purchasing a car, know that a safe, less expensive car will save you money in the long run in your insurance premium as well.

ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

Just having an anti-theft device will cause your insurance premiums to be less expensive, as it will allow the police to find your vehicle if it is stolen, or keep someone from stealing it in the first place. So the cost of getting an alarm or tracking system on your vehicle will save you money on auto insurance in the long run.