You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Safe Driving & Insurance Rates Part IV<br />
By: Jim Valkenburg / Insurance Insight<br />
In February I began a series of articles detailing<br />
how auto insurance premiums could be<br />
reduced simply by reducing<br />
claims that insurance companies<br />
pay. I continue my series.<br />
SPEEDING: I introduce you to the Nevada<br />
Drivers Handbook. Did you even know it existed?<br />
Did you ever read it? Did you know it is updated regularly<br />
and can be found on-line?<br />
I suggest that the Nevada Drivers Handbook<br />
is a pretty good read and if you have never read it, why<br />
not give it a look. https://dmv.nv.gov/pdfforms/dlbook.pdf.<br />
Did you know that Speed Limit signs mean what they<br />
say? That is, the maximum allowable speed is posted.<br />
And that speed limit is meant for ideal conditions and<br />
should be adjusted downward for things like heavy<br />
traffic, weather conditions, and road conditions.<br />
I believe that most drivers ignore speed limit signs or use that mythical<br />
“5 miles over” phrase to pace their driving speed. It’s not true. If the speed<br />
limit is 45MPH, then 46MPH is speeding.<br />
Sound like a joke? I bet it does to virtually everyone since the social<br />
norm totally ignores the law.<br />
As a test, I actually decided to drive at (or a little below) the posted speed<br />
limits all day. You can guess the outcome. Horns, dirty looks, obscene<br />
gestures, and a very frustrating day on the road.<br />
Courtesy on our roads is non-existent. The Drivers<br />
Handbook suggests (page.35) that the next time you<br />
want to speed, ask yourself: Why am I in a hurry? Does<br />
it really matter? And is it worth endangering myself and<br />
others?<br />
There are also news articles every day talking about<br />
safety and deaths on Nevada roads. One was written<br />
by Sabrina Schnur on March 9, 20<strong>22</strong>: “Henderson<br />
Police Urge Drivers to Slow Down After<br />
Recent Fatal Crashes.”<br />
Remember, this column is not about driving safety,<br />
but rather insurance claims that are a direct link to your<br />
auto insurance premiums. These crashes ultimately cost<br />
money and who pays for it? You!<br />
Those premiums you pay are the “fodder” that goes<br />
to pay claims. You are indirectly paying for the carelessness of others. That<br />
should make you angry!<br />
Jim Valkenburg is a retired military officer and insurance executive.<br />
He and his wife owned and operated their own insurance agency for<br />
over 16 years. His primary purpose is to give out real information<br />
that can be used to make intelligent insurance decisions.<br />
Experience.<br />
Integrity.<br />
Deep Roots.<br />
VoteSteveRice.com<br />
PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT STEVE RICE<br />
35
Change language