There is an old saying you’ve probably heard: bad habits are like a comfortable bed. They’re easy to get into, but very hard to get out of. Nowhere is this more true than on the road.
Many drivers have picked up a bad habit or two over the years. It’s tempting to roll through seemingly deserted stop sign and to speed slightly through yellow lights. But at a certain point, it’s inevitable that your number will come up. There may be a traffic cop around the corner waiting to write you a ticket, or if you’re really unlucky, your bad driving habits could lead to an accident.
Staying claims-free and keeping a spotless driving record are the two best ways to maintain affordable car insurance in Calgary. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some common bad driving habits and easy ways to break them.
Car Insurance Calgary: Eight Bad Driving Habits to Avoid
Steer clear of these bad driving habits to enjoy lower rates on car insurance in Calgary:
- Distracted driving. Mounting evidence shows that distracted driving is equally, if not more, dangerous than drinking and driving. It’s illegal and you’ll be ticketed if you’re caught, but what’s more is that you’re putting yourself and others at real risk of harm. There’s no text message or email worth the risk. If you absolutely have to use your cell phone, pull off the road. Also, avoid these other forms of distracted driving.
- Speeding. Studies have shown that people who drive at excessive speeds on city streets save only negligible amounts of time compared to drivers who observe speed limits at all times. The faster you go, the greater your risk of getting a ticket or being in an accident, and for what? To shave a minute off a half-hour journey? Speeding doesn’t add up. Stay within the limit.
- Green means “go,” yellow does not mean “go faster.” The only time you should ever go through a yellow light is if you don’t have enough time to safely bring your car to a stop before you reach the intersection. Yellow means “stop if it is safe to do so.” You will also avoid a ticket from one of Calgary’s yellow light cameras or a traffic cop.
- Following too close. Tailgating puts you in a bad position; if the car in front of you makes an unexpected move or sudden stop, chances are you won’t be able to react in time. Rear-impact collisions are almost always deemed the following driver’s fault, and that’s bad news for your car insurance in Calgary if you were following too close.
- Failing to signal turns and lane changes. You need to let other drivers know where you’re going at all times, and remember: there may be cyclists in your blind spot. Making sudden, unannounced turns can be extremely dangerous. Get in the habit of signalling every turn and lane change you make.
- Backing up without looking back. Have you ever found yourself on auto-pilot as you back out of your driveway? If so, this is a bad habit you need to break.
- Coasting through stop signs. “Stop” doesn’t mean “slow down and proceed with caution” or “coast through the intersection at reduced speed.” It means “stop.” You’ll be ticketed if you’re caught, and it could cost you demerit points off your license. You will also be deemed at-fault if you cause an accident, and that’s bad news for your car insurance rates in Calgary.
- Weaving in and out of traffic. Many drivers become impatient when dealing with slow-moving traffic and congestion, but weaving in and out of lanes like the road is a giant video game won’t help you get moving. It will also annoy and frustrate other drivers, and you increase your chances of causing an accident with each move you make.
Finally, it goes without saying that you should never drink and drive. Along with distracted driving, this is one of the deadliest actions drivers can take, and penalties are justifiably severe. It’s just not worth the risk.
Car Insurance Calgary: Trust the Experts at Lane’s
Lane’s Insurance is a full-service Alberta-based brokerage, offering outstanding rates on a complete range of insurance products. Check out our great reviews, and visit us online for a fast, free quote on your Alberta car insurance.
If you need in-depth, personalized service, please feel free to contact a Lane’s Insurance customer service representative.
