Florida Safe Driving Tips

One of the best ways to keep the cost of car insurance down is to maintain a clean driving record. Not only do you reduce the chance of injuries or damage to your vehicle, you also save money when you avoid tickets or accidents. Whether you’re a new or experienced Florida driver, check out these Florida safe driving tips.

Safety first

Some of the best safety tips are the simplest:

Wear your seat belt, and make sure everyone in your vehicle does, too. It’s not only safer, it’s the law. Law enforcement can pull you over and ticket you if you’re not complying.

Eliminate distractions. Anything that reduces the driver’s concentration can lead to an accident. Cell phones are a major culprit, but anything that takes your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel can be a problem. Florida law prohibits texting and driving.

Drive defensively. Florida drivers share the road with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Always keep a safe following distance (three seconds between vehicles) to allow enough time to react to whatever might happen in front of you. Brake smoothly and steadily. Obey speed limits. Don’t hang out in the left (passing) lane, especially if you’re not keeping up with the flow of traffic. Take extra care in school zones and at intersections.

Special considerations in Florida

Driving conditions in Florida can include everything from heavy traffic to long stretches of open highway, to crazy rain and extreme heat. Each requires different special considerations, including:

During our hot months, make sure your vehicle has the proper coolant level to avoid overheating. Keeping tires properly inflated helps prevent blow outs on hot pavement.

Rainstorms can also present challenges. Slow down and brake slowly to avoid skids, especially if it hasn’t rained in a while and the oils on the pavement make it extra slippery. Turn your headlights on for visibility.

Maintain your vehicle

To avoid breakdowns and accidents due to vehicle failure, keep your vehicle in good repair with regular servicing, including oil changes, fluid level checks, and belt inspections. Are your tires at the right pressure and tread depth? Do all your lights (headlights, taillights, blinkers) work? Do your windshield wipers remove rain rather than smear it across your windshield?

Are you properly insured?

One final tip before you hit the road: Make sure you have the best auto insurance for your needs. (You’ll also want to carry proof of auto insurance with you in case you do wind up in an accident.) The insurance experts at Lakewood Financial Services can help you determine what type of auto insurance coverage limits that best reflect your financial situation. We partner with many car insurance companies and can compare rates between them in order to get you the best deal on auto insurance. Please call 941-747-4600 or click here for an auto insurance quote.

Lakewood Financial Services is an independent insurance agency serving Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Sarasota and surrounding communities.