Life in Miami moves at a fast pace, and your time behind the wheel is often no exception. The same high levels of activity that make the city so exciting often also spill out onto the streets, leaving drivers feeling impatient and aggressive when faced with congested roadways and bumper-to-bumper traffic. This has led Miami-Dade County to become one of the most dangerous areas in the state for drivers, with 62,252 crashes occurring in 2021 alone.
Whether you’ve been in an at-fault accident, you temporarily forget the rules of the road and received a ticket, or you just want to sharpen your driving skills, taking a defensive driving course can be a great idea. Here’s a look at a few of the benefits Miami drivers may enjoy after completing a certified course.
3 Reasons to Take Defensive Driving in Miami
1. Reducing Points on Your License
Let’s say you’re driving down I-95, the sun is shining, your favorite song is playing on the radio, and all of a sudden you see flashing lights behind you. You were having such a great day, you didn’t realize you were going well over the speed limit, and now you’ve got yourself a speeding ticket. Or you're cruising down Ocean Drive and you get a text message you simply can't resist. Unfortunately, your distracted driving caused you to unintentionally run a red light — right in front of a police officer.
These types of temporary lapses in judgment could have long-term effects. Citations for speeding, reckless driving, and failing to obey traffic signals can all lead to having points added to your driving record. Not only could this raise your insurance rates, but if you accumulate too many points, you could even lose your license!
Taking an approved defensive driving course after a citation can allow you to have points removed, giving you a bit of breathing room.
2. Getting a Vehicle Insurance Discount
The average cost of vehicle insurance in Miami is $2,593, which is 17.4% higher than the average in the state of Florida and 82% more than the U.S. average! If you’ve had an accident or a ticket, these rates may be even higher.
Luckily, after taking an approved Florida defensive driving course, Miami drivers can receive up to a 10% premium reduction. All you need to do is submit your course completion certificate to your insurance company, and you’ll receive your discount. This can apply for up to a three-year period, as long as you aren’t in an at-fault accident or convicted of a moving traffic violation after you complete your course.
3. Becoming a Safer Driver
In 2020, location technology specialist TomTom rated Miami the third most congested U.S. city, behind Los Angeles and New York. All that traffic on the roads means more chances to be involved in anything from a fender bender to a major crash.
While you can’t do anything about the other cars on the road, taking a defensive driving course can help you learn tips and techniques to avoid accidents and ensure you don’t make common mistakes while driving. This can give you the extra peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re as safe as possible each time you get behind the wheel.
Take a Miami Defensive Driving Course Today
Now is the perfect time to learn more about Florida defensive driving courses and sign yourself up. At Aceable, we offer the shortest course allowed by law, and it’s available online or on your mobile device, so you can clear tickets and enjoy your insurance discount without the hassle. Check it out today!