icandrive.ca Reveals Top Driving Mistakes and Insurance Impact
(PRWEB) August 02, 2013 -- Even the most careful drivers can make mistakes, and many have developed bad habits over time that can result in a ticket. There are several mistakes drivers make that commonly lead to getting a ticket and can have a negative impact on your insurance premiums. These mistakes are easy to make, and knowing what they are can make it easier for drivers to be aware and avoid them in the future. icandrive.ca urges drivers to avoid these top driving mistakes.
Failing to Stop for Red Lights and Stop Signs
Most drivers do not think much of rolling through a stop sign without coming to a complete stop, especially when there is no one else at the intersection. And hurrying to avoid stopping at a red light is something few people take seriously. Unfortunately, both of these common driving mistakes are bad habits that are a ticket – or an accident – waiting to happen.
Red light camera systems have made it more likely than ever that you will get traffic tickets in Toronto for being in a hurry to beat the light. Fines for this violation vary from province to province, but can run as high as $500 in Toronto, among the highest in North America.
Disregarding Speed Limits
Most people think that going a little faster than the speed limit is not a big deal, and in most cases you won't get a ticket for going a little over. But those few km/h over the limit can creep up on you and become a speeding ticket. Speeding is among the most common traffic tickets in Canada, and a mistake that can become serious in a hurry.
The fine for speeding depends on a variety of factors including how fast you were going, where you were caught speeding, and your previous driving record. Fines can range from a few hundred dollars all the way up to $10,000 in Ontario, which carries the heftiest speeding ticket in Canada aimed at stopped racing in the streets.
Checking Your Phone
Whether you decide to answer an incoming call or want to quickly read a text message, using your cell phone while driving is a mistake that is easy to make but likely to earn you a ticket. Every province in Canada has now outlawed texting and talking on the phone while driving, although using a hands-free device is generally acceptable.
Several polls of Canadians have ranked this as the most annoying habit of drivers today. It is also one of the most dangerous, as distracted driving often leads to accidents. The fine for using your phone while driving varies depending on the province where you are caught and the type of offence from $100 to $400.
Impact on Your Insurance
All of these tickets can have a negative impact on your insurance quotes. While in most cases they are considered to be minor tickets, extenuating circumstances can turn them into major violations. If you have more than one of these on your record, your insurance rates may become very high quickly.
Whether a one-time mistake you make because you are distracted or in a hurry, or a habit on the road you are having a hard time breaking, it only takes getting caught once to earn you a ticket for which you will be paying on your insurance for a long time. In most cases an insurance company can charge you for the ticket for a period of three years. Add the cost of higher insurance rates to the often high fines charged for the tickets, and you will find that a small mistake can be an expensive one.
Every driver makes mistakes occasionally, but being aware of these common mistakes and their results will ensure that you pay a little more attention when you are behind the wheel. Staying focused and taking your time will not only help you avoid tickets, it will also keep everyone safer on the road.
About icandrive.ca
icandrive.ca helps Canadian consumers connect with insurance brokers and agents to get the lowest possible insurance rates. Compare insurance rates from over 30 insurance companies through our compare a quote tool. Our business is dedicated to providing the most up to date and useful insurance related information to Canadian drivers. By showing how and where you can save money you can benefit from all the available savings and pay less for your insurance coverage.
Jay Dhaliwal, icandrive.ca, http://www.icandrive.ca, 6477030896, [email protected]
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