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One of the best ways to keep your auto insurance rate low – and ensuring that it continues to decrease over the years ahead – is to be a safe driver. Although each company has its own policy, it's common for insurance providers to drop customers' rates after three years of accident-free driving. Being a safe driver is about more than simply pledging to yourself to stay out of accidents. Beyond respecting the speed limit and making sure to carefully follow street signs, you can dramatically decrease your likelihood of being in an accident by following these three tips.

Look 15 Seconds Down The Road

Many drivers fall into a dangerous habit of looking directly in front of them as they drive. The concern with this approach is that doing so makes you unaware of potential hazards that you're approaching – until it's too late. A safer strategy is trying to keep your eyes at least 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. This means watching what's happening several car lengths ahead of you. Through this approach, you'll immediately notice if another driver hits the brakes, encounters poor road conditions or is in an accident and you'll have enough time to respond accordingly.

Keep Your Eyes Moving

Whether you're intently listening to music, talking on the phone or simply feeling drowsy after a long day at work, it's easy to develop a degree of tunnel vision when you're behind the wheel. However, this habit limits your ability to see what's happening around you. Develop a routine of moving your eyes every two seconds while you're driving. Don't just look in different directions out your windshield. Your eyes should also be looking at your side mirrors, center rearview mirror, out your windows and, when appropriate, checking your blind spots. Keeping your eyes moving allows you to always know what's around your vehicle, which can keep you out of an accident and help your insurance rate stay low.

Stay Out Of Blind Spots

Just because you're aware of your vehicle's blind spots doesn't mean the same is true for other drivers. As such, it's beneficial to be aware of when you're in other drivers' blind spots and change your position as soon as it's safe. For example, when you're driving on a multi-lane a highway, choose to pass the motorist in front of you or stay behind him or her. Don't pull out and cruise alongside the car in a position where the other driver isn't likely to see you. He or she may change positions quickly and could sideswipe you before you're able to react.

Talk to a company like Edwards Insurance Agency about other things you can do to get a lower auto insurance rate.