Automobile accidents are a major cause of death in the United States. They are the single most common cause of death among children and young adults, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A high percentage of these automobile accident deaths occur on our nation’s freeways and highways due to the high rates of speed encountered.

However, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of becoming a victim on the freeway, including the following:

  • When you merge onto the freeway, you should be at average traffic speed.
  • When in the right lane of a freeway, move over one lane to the left when you see drivers coming into traffic from the entrance ramp. If this is not possible, slow down to give the entering driver more room.
  • Allow plenty of room between you and other vehicles. Many driving experts advocate the two-second rule. Under this rule, you should start counting when you see the vehicle in front of you pass a fixed object. Count “one thousand one, one thousand two.” If you reach the fixed object before “two,” you are following too closely.
  • Try to maintain average traffic speed. Vehicles going much slower or faster than other traffic are a recipe for an accident. Common sense, however, regarding speeding laws must also be considered.
  • You should use extra caution when driving at night or in bad weather. Remember that many drivers do not adjust their driving habits for the weather or bad road conditions.
  • Avoid any sudden moves, since this does not give other drivers time to react.
  • Continuously scan the roadway ahead of you for signs of trouble, including construction and traffic slowdowns.
  • Be aware of the positions of other drivers around you, particularly those beside you or slightly to the rear. Make sure that your rearview mirrors are properly adjusted before you drive your car.
  • Remember that your reaction time and overall driving skills decline as you get tired. Breaks every few hours are important.
  • When exiting the freeway, be sure to signal well in advance. Do not slow down significantly until you start to turn off the freeway.

Source: International Risk Management Institute, Inc.  Copyright 2015

Read Other Blog Posts

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month Are You Cyber-Smart at Home and at Work

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Are You Cyber-Smart at Home and at Work?

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month — the perfect reminder to stay vigilant about your digital safety. From phishing scams to hacked home devices, cyber threats can affect anyone. Learn practical tips to protect yourself at home and work, and see how personal cyber insurance can help safeguard your finances and identity.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month How Businesses Can Stay Protected in a Digital World

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: How Businesses Can Stay Protected in a Digital World

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a reminder that cybersecurity is more than an IT issue; it’s essential to business survival. From phishing scams to ransomware, digital threats can disrupt operations and erode customer trust. Murphy Insurance helps businesses strengthen defenses and recover quickly with customized cyber liability insurance coverage.
Candle on table

Candle Safety Considerations

Candles provide a warm ambiance for an intimate dinner, a sparkling decoration for a birthday cake or a nice scent for your home. Ambiance aside, candles can be a fire hazard if they are left unattended or placed where they can start other objects on fire. If you enjoy candles, be sure to follow these tips to use them safely.
Introducing the Murphy Insurance Condominium Owner’s Manual Your Guide to Preventing Costly Condo Repairs & Damages SMM

Introducing the Murphy Insurance Condominium Owner’s Manual: Your Guide to Preventing Costly Condo Repairs & Damages

Murphy Insurance Agency has launched a new Condominium Owner's Manual designed to help you prevent costly home repairs and avoid common insurance claims. Backed by decades of real-world experience, this practical guide provides seasonal tips, safety advice, and a comprehensive maintenance checklist to protect your home—and your wallet—all year round. Download your copy today!
Pollution Liability

Pollution Liability: The Most Overlooked Coverage Your Business Might Need

Many business owners assume their general liability or property insurance covers everything, but pollution-related risks are often excluded. Pollution liability insurance helps fill that gap, covering cleanup costs, lawsuits, and damages from environmental incidents. From contractors and manufacturers to auto shops, property owners, and agricultural businesses, many industries face hidden pollution exposures. Without this protection, a single spill, leak, or contamination event could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Deer Sign

Road Safety and Wildlife: What Drivers Need to Know

Every year, countless accidents occur because drivers aren't prepared for unexpected encounters with animals on the road. Whether it's a deer darting across a rural highway or a stray dog wandering into city traffic, these moments can be dangerous for both humans and animals. Staying alert and understanding how to respond in these situations can make a critical difference in preventing harm and keeping roads safer for everyone.
Quest for the Best 2025

We Did It Again! 5-Time Gold Winners in Quest for the Best

We’re proud to announce we’ve won Gold in MyFM 101.3’s Quest for the Best – Insurance Category for the 5th year in a row! Thank you to everyone who voted and continues to support us. If you're a client, we’re grateful for your trust. If you’re looking for a second opinion, we’d love the chance to earn your business.
Insurance Audits

How to Make Workers’ Comp Audits Less Stressful: Tips from Our Business Account Managers

Workers’ Compensation audits don’t have to be overwhelming. With some simple year-round preparation, you can avoid unexpected costs and reduce stress. Our Business Account Managers share practical tips to help you stay organized, document subcontractor details properly, and keep your policy up to date—so audit time goes smoothly.
Happy driver

The Benefits of Raising Your Limits

An overwhelming majority of states require individuals to carry insurance in order to operate a vehicle. While meeting these minimum limits may be enough to get you on the road, they may be inadequate if you are involved in a serious accident. For better protection, you may want to consider raising your limits to secure proper protection.

Visit Our Personal Insurance Page

Personal Insurance

Life is an ever-changing journey, and it deserves a thoughtful, comprehensive plan to protect the things and people that matter most. Our dedicated team at Murphy Insurance is here to assist you in creating that plan. With a wide range of product options at our disposal, we ensure that your plan is tailored precisely to your requirements. Our commitment to providing clear, intelligent guidance to help you achieve true peace of mind. Learn more about our personal insurance portfolio.

Visit Our Business Insurance Page

Business Insurance

Murphy Insurance stands as your steadfast partner in safeguarding your business from unforeseen challenges in today’s dynamic business landscape. In an era where comprehensive business insurance is not just a prudent choice but a vital one for ensuring the long-term stability and security of your enterprise, we are here to offer our expertise. Running a business inherently entails various risks that can potentially impact your financial stability and reputation. Learn more about our comprehensive business insurance solutions, which are meticulously designed to protect you from these potential threats, granting you peace of mind necessary to focus on the growth and prosperity of your business.