The annoying little driving habits some tend toward can have serious consequences that include auto accidents and increased car insurance rates. Here is a quick checklist of the most common negative driving habits. Skim through this list and commit to improving your driving habits in order to secure the best car insurance rates on the market.

1 – Talking on your Mobile Phone

We understand how important it is to pick up when your boss calls about a possible promotion or your partner calls to arrange the daily schedule. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that almost 5,500 fatalities occurred in 2009 alone as a direct result of individuals driving while talking on their mobile telephones. Get yourself a Bluetooth unit if you absolutely need to chat while on the road. Otherwise, save your calls for when you are safely parked.

2 – Tailgating

Sure, you may be in a hurry to get to the market before it closes for the evening. Yes, the person in front of you may be driving at the pace of a turtle. Still, the practice of tailgating can cause rear end accidents that can spike your car insurance rates and cause possible injuries. Next time you are in a hurry simply change lanes to avoid slow drivers. If that is not possible just take a deep breath and realise that safety really does come first.

3 – Heavy Breaking

If you are going the speed limit on the highway and suddenly hit your breaks it puts the motorists behind you in a precarious situation. Refrain from pressing the brake pedal to catch a glimpse of a wreck on the side of the road or you may inadvertently cause the next accident.

4 – Ignoring Turn Signs

Turn-only lanes are not there to merely suggest that you make a turn but rather to legally demand that you do so. If you go straight in one of these lanes you effectively putting yourself and others at great risk. An accident that occurs as a result of your failure to observe turn-only lane rule can result in car insurance rates that will put a major drain on your monthly budget. Keep this in mind and make the turn when the lane requires it, regardless of whether or not it results in a personal detour.

5 – Merger Mishaps

Merging lanes is a critical time where it is important to have your wits about you. Irritating bottlenecks on the road and unnecessary accidents are the direct result of failing to maintain speed while merging onto the highway. Make the gas pedal your best friend while merging and your fellow motorists will bless you for it.

If you consistently avoid these common annoying driving habits while on the road you will likely be rewarded in the form of the best car insurance rates on the market. Don’t take our word for it; get free car insurance quotes online that prove responsible motorists’ premiums are far below what drivers with a spotty driving history are paying.