Our data proves that safe driving saves money.

October 6–10, 2008 is National Drive Safely Work Week. This annual campaign, always in the first full week in October, is dedicated to promoting safe driving practices at or while commuting to or from the nation’s workplaces.

The Network for Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) believes that the Safety Week can help reduce the number of accidents, and the campaign has tips for not just drivers of cars, but for motorcyclists, pedestrians, cyclists and truck drivers. This year the campaign is focusing on raising awareness of the “special needs and considerations of all roadway users.”

During National Drive to Work Safely Week drivers are urged to be aware of their driving and avoid these common behaviors.

Some Common Mistakes

• Inattentive driving
• Driving too closely to the car in front
• Speeding
• Ignoring traffic signs or signals
• Backing up unsafely

Making a Safe Change
As part of National Drive Safely Work Week, the Network for Employers for Traffic Safety provides tips and ideas for drivers and employers at their website (www.trafficsafety.org). Some of the tips include:

• Avoid aggressive driving
• Avoiding driving when fatigued or tired
• Keep your vehicle well maintained
• Identify distractions to avoid while driving
• Advice for employers

The entire campaign can be downloaded as a free PDF (after registration), with plenty of information for employers and drivers.

Drive Safe and Save
According to a 2003 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study, the average accident costs an employer $16,500. However, accidents and violations can have a direct cost to the driver as well, increasing their auto insurance premium. The Drive Safely Work Week campaign mentions this, suggesting that sharing the road with others is preferable to “sharing your paycheck with your insurance company.”

Insurance.com’s data supports the relationship between safe driving and lower premiums.

Compare the average price of a policy sold by Insurance.com during 2008, from 15 companies nationwide, for customers with no traffic violations to those with 2 or more violations.

Average Premium by Number of Violations

Likewise, even claims can cost you. Compare the price of a premium for consumers with no claims to those with 1, 2 or even more…

Average Premium by Number of Claims

“Better drivers pay less, on average, for their auto insurance,” explains Sam Belden, Director of Consumer Experience at Insurance.com. “As our data shows, your driving history, and the number of violations or claims you’ve filed, can have a direct impact on your monthly insurance premiums. Obey the traffic laws, and be a careful and considerate driver. At the very least, you could realize significant savings on your policy.”

Drivers may also wish to consider driving courses as a possible path to car insurance savings. Many insurance companies in several states offer discounts for drivers who take defensive driving courses. Such courses are often considered by insurers to be proof that drivers are actively pursuing safer driving practices.

About NETS
Founded in 1989, NETS is an employer-led public-private partnership dedicated to improving the safety and health of employees, their families and their communities.
According to NETS, traffic crashes are the leading cause of death and injury in the workplace, and by avoiding high risk driving mistakes, all drivers, at work or otherwise, can help insure the safety of themselves and others on the road.