Any car registered in NC must be insured for liability, says G.S. 20-309, a state law, which further states said insurance must be issued by an insurance company licensed by said state. This is because accidents are all too common. There were 20,326 car crashes in 2018 in Mecklenburg County alone. JC Demo Insurance Group in Matthews, NC, offers these recommendations to help you avoid a crash.

Making Complete Stops

Stop. Wait three seconds. Then go. This constitutes a complete stop. A rolling stop is careless and dangerous.

Looking Left, Right, Left

Look left, then right, then left again, before pulling out, because cars coming from the left will impact you first.

Keeping a Safe Distance

The “two-second rule” states that two seconds should pass between the car in front of you passing a fixed point and you pass that same point.

Changing Lanes Carefully

When changing lanes, check your side and rear-view mirrors, then look over your shoulder to check your blind spot, as well as other lanes to ensure another driver isn’t moving into that spot.

Ignoring Distractions Until the Next Stop

In 2018, 19.2 percent of crashes in Mecklenburg County were caused by distractions. Use your phone after you arrive.

Being Sober

There were 904 alcohol-related crashes in Mecklenburg County in 2018. Other drugs slow your reaction time, as well. Say no if driving.

Obeying the Speed Limit

Driving too fast can cause you to miss vital cues, like road signs or another driver’s intentions.

Driving Defensively

You may drive well, but not everyone does. Being cognizant of other drivers may save your life.

Many drivers are under-insured or not insured. Now, before you’re in a crash, protect yourself. Contact JC Demo Insurance Group, located in Matthews, NC, for information and details.