Using large machines to propel ourselves at several miles per hour is probably one of the more dangerous things a human being could do. Yet several million of us do it every single day. Multiple times a day at that. Florida drivers have to know what they’re dealing with too. There's a reason for us to have some of the highest insurance prices in the country.
A defensive driving class helps learners understand what to avoid and how to navigate potentially dangerous situations on the road. Completion of a defensive driving class can save you money in several ways both direct and indirect. You should consider all the factors that safe driving practices can affect. Knowing how to drive and when to drive, among other things, can save you from damaged parts, physical pain, and more.
Insurance Costs
While insurance companies look at several different factors when deciding price and coverage ability, many insurers offer various discounts on their policies. Obviously they want to reward safe drivers with more affordable rates, so as to keep them as customers. Often times safe drivers can be rewarded for their driving record alone. Other times, outside factors or fitting certain demographics can help too. A certificate from a defensive driving course, for example, may prove to insurers that you are less of a liability and, therefore, cost less to insure.
Repair Costs
A defensive driving class would also make you an overall safer driver, less likely to get into accidents. This would be highly beneficial as Florida is one of the most expensive states to own and maintain a car. The average cost to repair a car in Florida is over $300, with labor hours alone weighing in at $140+.
Not only does it keep costs down, being a safe driver would ensure that your vehicle performs at maximum reliability, and is kept in optimal condition. With less accidents, you would have much less to worry about for replacement parts malfunctioning or being installed incorrectly.
Medical Costs
We’re already aware that medical expenses are no joke. Many times when you get into an accident, you may not even be aware of injuries for several days. Statistics from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles indicate that more than half of all accidents on the road result in some sort of injury. Proper safe driving practices in a place that poses a danger to commute in every day will always lower the risk of getting injured in an accident.
By heightening your ability to avoid accidents, this risk for injury substantially decreases. The NHTSA actually reports that the completion of a defensive driving course could contribute to around a 20% lower chance of being involved in an accident.
Cost of Tickets and Fines
Now we know that most people who end up in a Florida driving school are there as a result of a traffic infraction. While it might help to resolve issues with your record, a Florida defensive driving class would equip you with the knowledge necessary to avoid these violations and accidents in the future. In turn, reducing the risk of being subject to some costly fines.
Where to Find Cheap Defensive Driving Classes in Florida
While Florida does already have some educational resources, there are companies who actually specialize in driver education that may provide a more effective education.
Drive Safe Online hosts a plethora of driving classes in different states. With Drive Safe Online, you are able to work at your own pace, and sidestep the schedule of a traditional, in-person, Florida Traffic School.
Drive Safe Online’s Florida Defensive Driving classes are affordable, and save you money with many insurers upon completion. They feature both a fast, one hour course, and a full length 6 hour course. Make sure you check with both your county courts, DMV, and insurance company to ensure that the Drive Safe Online course is accepted. The website will also have resources to help you understand whether their courses will help your situation. Click here to get started with Drive Safe Online, and find the right Florida Defensive Driving course for you.
Conclusion
If you enjoy the thought of saving money on your insurance bill, as well as preventing further expenses, a Florida Driving School might be a great resource to equip you with the knowledge to be a substantially safer driver.