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You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that getting distracted while you’re driving can lead to accidents. Avoiding accidents is important for obvious reasons, but also a good idea if you want to prevent your auto insurance rates from increasing because of a pricey claim. Although you can’t predict when you’ll be distracted on the road, you can be aware of some things that could take your attention away from driving and could possibly raise your auto insurance premium.

Save Multitasking for Work
Talking on your cell phone, changing the radio station, applying makeup, or studying a map are all activities that can put you and other drivers on the road at risk. Government agencies estimate that inattentive driving contributes to 25% of all accidents. Don’t let gadgets interfere with your ability to avoid accidents and higher auto insurance rates.

If it can’t wait until you reach your destination, here are some ways to stay safe and keep your auto insurance rates down at the same time:

• Familiarize yourself with the buttons on your cell phone and car stereo so you can make a call or change the radio station without diverting your attention from the road.
• Consider using a hands-free device so you can keep both hands on the wheel.
• Study driving directions before beginning your trip. Then, highlight key exits and turns on a note card.
• When in doubt, find a safe place to pull over.

Passengers
The people closest to you (in your car and on the road) may pose the largest driving distraction. Don’t let passengers hinder your driving. Make them feel useful by putting them in charge of cell phones, radio controls, and navigating the trip.

If you’re traveling with small children, do your best to minimize the amount of time you spend on the road. Ask another adult to accompany you on long trips and plan frequent stops along the way.

Your Emotional and Physical Health Behind the Wheel
Your mood and physical health are important factors in safe driving. Use common sense when you get behind the wheel. If you’re tired, angry, or under the influence of alcohol or other substances, don’t drive! You won’t feel any better if you end up paying more for auto insurance because you got a DUI or a speeding ticket.

Along with providing safety tips for you with our Esurance auto insurance insights, we reward safe driving with auto insurance discounts for good drivers. Find out if you’re eligible for a good driver discount, or for our other Esurance auto insurance discounts. If you haven’t already, see which auto insurance discounts might apply to you when you get your auto insurance quote today.