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Nothing is worth risky driving. Drive Safely.

Risk isn't just the name of a board game played by kids and adults alike; it's also a dangerous and costly position that millions of aggressive drivers put themselves in every day. While many engage in high risk driving without thinking twice, this type of behavior can have liable consequences such as increased insurance premiums and even cancelled policies.

Dangerous Realities

In 2006, over 2 million Canadian displayed aggressive driving behaviors, while 2.7 million admitted to frequently driving well over the speed limit. Even more shocking, 2 million admitted to speeding up in order to get through a red light, while 670,000 reported that they liked to take risks just for the fun of it¹.

With statistics like these it is to no avail that many drivers are labeled as high-risk drivers therefore receiving high premiums from their insurance providers.

¹ The Road Safety Monitor 2006: Aggressive Driving Report released by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF)

Are you a high risk?

Speeding, at fault accidents and DUI's will make anyone a high-risk driver in the eyes of an insurance provider, but there are lesser-known factors that can also contribute to this classification. These include having numerous moving violations, unpaid tickets, driving a sports car, being male, not having continuous coverage, and even having a poor credit rating.

Even if none of the above pertain to you, there are aggressive driving behaviors that the average motorist engages in everyday that can result in becoming a high-risk. Tailgating, running lights, and improperly passing other vehicles are all behaviours that are steps away from being identified as a high-risk driver.

Tips to reduce aggressive driving

We all have the ability as drivers to engage in safe behaviours that can enable even the most hotheaded driver to be considered a low risk. Here are a few ways to avoid high risk driving behaviors in order to keep your insurance premium at a low:

Give yourself time! Allow time for possible delays caused by unexpected obstacles such as traffic, bad weather or construction
Accept not being on time. If behind schedule, take a deep breath and accept it don't put yourself and others at risk by trying to make up time. Like the saying goes better late than never.
If the car behind you is riding your bumper and engaging in risky behaviors don't speed up putting yourself at risk instead safely move out of the way and let the vehicle pass.
Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt. Before getting heated because the driver in front of you seems unfocused consider that they could be out of town, or distracted by things that have nothing to do with you. We all have bad days².

In view of the fact that some drivers are considered a higher risk than others it is important to shop around for car insurance in order to ensure the best policy at the best rate.

At CAA we offer comprehensive coverages at competitive prices and we'll forgive your first at-fault accident with our Forgive and Forget™ plan, which means in the event of your first at-fault accident, you'll experience no change in your driving record. Click here for a fast no obligation quote or call us at 1-887-222-3939 to speak to one of our Licensed Insurance Agents.

² High-Risk Driving Behavior. 2005 Trends Report released by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia