Keeping safe on the road will help you to avoid accidents which could potentially lower your insurance premiums. Some providers offer discounts if you have not made a claim within a certain time period.
Tips for long journeys
If you are planning a long car journey then make sure you are prepared before you set out. Get a good night's sleep as being tired is likely to make you less alert generally.
Make sure you've had a drink and something to eat before you set out as thirst and hunger can be distracting. It may not be the best idea to drink beverages that are high in caffeine content as, although these will make you more alert initially, the effects will recede over time and you could end up feeling more tired in the long run.
Take a break at least once every two hours and make sure you have a drink and something to eat each time you do have a break. Try to get out of your car and walk around if you can as this will help you to feel more awake and energised.
Tips for driving in bad weather
If you have to drive in bad weather such as rain, snow or fog, then your risk of having an accident may increase. Make sure you take a look at the weather forecast before you set out so you know what's in store and check your tyres before you set out.
In heavy rain or snow make sure your windscreen wipers and headlights are on to improve visibility and try to drive in the tracks of the car in front if possible. Keep your driving at a slow and steady pace and avoid high speeds or making sudden moves. Take into account the fact that you will need more space to stop and increase your stopping distance accordingly.
Hydroplaning can occur in heavy rain. This is when your car tyres lose contact with the road due to the volume of water. If this happens when you are driving, take your foot off the accelerator and keep your steering wheel straight. As your car slows down, its weight will cause the wheels to regain contact with the road. Do not put on your brakes or try to steer if you hydroplane as this can cause your wheels to spin.
If you see a patch of fog ahead of you when driving, it is a good idea to slow down and put your fog lights on. Drive slowly and steadily through the fog and be aware that there may be slow-moving vehicles ahead of you.
Tips for driving in rush hour
Typically, drivers are most tired when driving in rush hour because it occurs at the start and the end of each day. When you have to drive through busy traffic it can seem like all you are doing is stopping and starting, which can get frustrating. In addition, the behaviour of other drivers can be extremely annoying.
The way you drive in rush hour can help to reduce your stress and reduce wear and tear on your car, so you are less likely to need to make a claim.
It can be hard to remember to look ahead when you are stuck in 'stop start' traffic, but anticipating what is happening further down the road can help you to keep your driving speed steady and give you more time to avoid any problems that come your way. Breaking gradually and using your gears minimally uses less fuel and creates less wear and tear on your vehicle, ultimately saving you money in the long term.
If you want to use the least possible fuel and avoid damaging your car then keeping your speed slow and steady is the best option. Avoid trying to speed ahead of traffic to nip into gaps. When driving in the rush hour there is always a possibility that someone in front of you could brake suddenly. If you keep your driving at a slow and steady speed and leave ample room for stopping between you and the car in front, you can be more in control of your vehicle and avoid accidents.
To save money on fuel and reduce wear and tear on your car, avoid driving in the rush hour. If that's not possible then plan your route carefully. Most people will choose to take the most direct route from A to B during rush hour, meaning that the direct route will be the busiest. Look for other ways to get to your destination that avoids motorways or busy main roads and you are likely to find that your journey time decreases and you ultimately use less fuel.
Using your gears
When you change gear it can have a large bearing on the amount of fuel you use. The best time to go up a gear is when your car can comfortably drive in the gear without you needing to put your foot on the accelerator.
Following these driving tips will help you reduce your fuel consumption, reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle and reduce the likelihood of you having an accident which could all help to lower your insurance premiums.
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