Graceland; Beale Street; The Grand Ole Opry— Tennessee's influence on American music is undeniable. But that's not all the Volunteer State has to offer. Tennessee's excellent interstates and highways make traveling in and around the state easy and enjoyable. In fact, Tennessee is within a day's drive of 75% of the U.S. population. A drive through Tennessee can take you through bustling cities, rolling countryside, and towering mountains— all of which require attentive driving and awareness.

So, whether you're traveling into, out of, or around Tennessee, let Esurance's helpful tips on driving and auto insurance be music to your ears!

• Assume that another driver's mistakes are not directed at you.
• Allow yourself plenty of time for your commute and avoid scheduling events at work or at home that may cause you to try and rush.
• Hang up your cell phone and pay attention to the road.
• Use public transportation if it's available to you. You'll save money and the environment.

Country driving— beware of wildlife
A quiet country road may seem like the perfect escape from the city; however, it may also mean sharing the road with several species of wildlife. As civilization increasingly encroaches on the wilderness, wild animals are closer to traffic than ever before. Large animals such as moose or deer can do serious damage to you and your car.

So how can you avoid such encounters? Here are a few quick tips on keeping you, the animals, and your car safe:

• Drive with caution at dusk and dawn. At these times, deer and moose are at their most active and it's harder to see them.
• Don't assume they'll avoid you. If you see a large animal, reduce your speed. These large creatures have been known to dart out into the road, in front of your car at the last minute. At a lower speed, you'll have more chance of avoiding this sudden movement.
• If you see one, there may be more. Calves often follow their parents so if one crosses the road, it's likely that another will be close behind. Make sure the parade is over before proceeding.

Mountain driving— get ready for winter
Although the seasons can tell you, to a certain point, when certain weather conditions are on their way, you never know when a sudden storm could leave you stranded in your car. It's a good idea to prepare your car and your auto insurance for certain weather trends that can happen in Tennessee.

• Be prepared. Have tire treads, brakes and wipers checked.
• Slow down. It may seem obvious, but when roads are wet or icy you need to reduce your normal driving speed. You'll want to put more distance between your car and the one in front, so you can brake suddenly and safely if you need to.
• If you start to skid, don't hit the brakes. Ease off the accelerator and steer into the direction of the skid.
• Make sure you put together a winter car kit, in case you are ever stranded in a storm. This kit should contain: sand for traction, a small shovel for clearing snow, tire chains, a flashlight with fresh batteries, warm blankets or sleeping bag, and non-perishable food items.

Reliable service
If you ever do need to file an auto insurance claim with Esurance, you can be sure it will be handled quickly and fairly and we'll get you back on the road fast! You can call our claims center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Your account is always available to you online, but if you have any questions, our customer service representatives are available round-the-clock too!

Start experiencing quality service and great rates on your Tennessee auto insurance by getting a quote from Esurance today!