Massachusetts Auto Insurance Coverage: Holiday Driving Tips
Everyone always posts on social media to have a happy and safe Fourth of July. The reason for this is that the first week of July is typically extremely busy with so many Americans going on road trips, vacations, and participating in parades, picnics, and fireworks celebrations. Your New Bedford car insurance agent wants you to know that there are some excellent holiday driving tips that you can use to your advantage and avoid a claim this July on your Massachusetts auto insurance coverage. If you are in need of an auto insurance quote in MA for quality coverage, contact Borden Insurance. We offer independent insurance provider quotes and services from a local and experienced MA auto insurance agent.
Distracted Driving is a Big Deal
One of the biggest causes of accidents during this time of year is distracted driving. There is so much to see and do, everyone is excited for the holiday celebrations, and if you are traveling with family, the kids are usually in rare form pointing out everything interesting thing along the way. Avoid costly surprises and take time to have your vehicle serviced and inspected before leaving for holiday travel. Even if you are just heading out to the beach or staying local, make sure to get a tune up, check the tire tread and pressure, do your required oil changes and make sure all lights and wiper blades are working. It is usually without saying that drinking and driving should be avoided at all costs. If you think you might be impaired, consider staying overnight and going back home the next day. Don’t let friends who have been drinking leave and drive home – it could cost them their lives.
Other distractions that should be avoided at all costs include cell phones, GPS, music, and food. Never text and drive and avoid taking even speaker calls to prevent distracted driving. If you have a passenger, have them do the texting, GPS searches, and change out the CDs or music stations while on the road. Never fix your hair, do makeup, or get dressed while driving – even if you are running late. Avoid eating and drinking even non-alcoholic beverages while driving, as opening, closing, and grabbing for them could cause you to run off the road or into another vehicle. Even if traffic seems to be calm and everyone is going in the same direction, things can change quickly and without warning. The number of accidents and claims that you file can impact your future auto insurance quote in MA, so it is essential to make sure you keep your record as clean as possible to get the best premium rate.
Know the Speed Limits and Stay Alert
Holiday travel is always dangerous, whether it is going to grandma’s house for Christmas dinner or heading off to the beach on Memorial Day weekend. The Fourth of July adds an extra layer of concerns and considerations due to fireworks and barbecues where alcoholic beverages are frequently served. Make sure that you and your passengers buckle up properly and children use the appropriate car seats, boosters, and belts. Watch the speed limits and give yourself enough time – including bathroom breaks – to reach your destination safely. Stay alert and if you feel drowsy, pull over at a rest stop or switch driving with a reliable passenger.
Studies show that thousands of lives are lost each year due to distracted driving. The more alert you are to the other drivers on the road, the easier it will be to spot another vehicle that is driving unsafely so you can avoid it. Make sure your vehicle is loaded properly and that there are no blind spots created by suitcases, beach bags, and equipment. If you are bringing a pet along, make sure that they are secured safely. Pet seatbelts, cords designed to keep leashes attached to the vehicle, and other safety gear can help to keep them secured and everyone in the vehicle safe at all times.
Get a FREE Auto Insurance Quote in MA
Contact your trusted MA auto insurance agent at Borden Insurance to get a free quote for New Bedford car insurance. You can reach our team at 508-999-3636 and get rates for the best deals in Massachusetts auto insurance coverage. Call today and let us help you save and protect the things that matter most with a quality vehicle insurance policy.