Between 2023 and 2024, traffic accidents in Minnesota rose by 12%. They’re so frequent that nearly every day, a driver dies from a car crash. As of this writing, there are no signs of this trend slowing down. Residents of Cloquet, MN, need to understand the causes of these traffic accident spikes to help lower the rising rate. The Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC team has identified the most common reasons for the increase.

1. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the number one cause of accidents in Minnesota. With today’s technology and lifestyle, it’s too easy to get distracted. Examples include:

• Eating while driving
• Wandering minds (concentrating on other thoughts)
• Conversations between the driver, passengers, or the back seat riders
• Using the GPS, radio, cell phone, handheld devices, or other electronic devices

2. Speeding

A close second is speeding. Driving over the speed limit gives you less time to react to incidents occurring ahead of you. Examples are black ice, oil spills, potholes, objects flying out of a truck, and a person turning left or right on a side road. The impact of your vehicle hitting another vehicle, object, or pedestrian is massive. The collision is powerful enough to total your vehicle, destroy objects, and cause pedestrian fatalities.

3. Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of medications, alcohol, or drugs is a solid reason for accidents in Cloquet, MN. Operating a vehicle in this state of mind means the medication, alcohol, or drugs are distracting you from obeying traffic rules and making sound decisions. You also cannot react to sudden road changes on time, causing massive accidents.

Other severe causes of Minnesota accidents are:

• Failure to obey traffic laws
• Tailgating ("riding someone’s bumper")
• Winter weather (slushy, icy, and wet roads)
• Limited visibility
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Not wearing a seatbelt

Auto insurance is there for you when you are in an auto accident. If you follow this list, auto insurance will not help you. Expect to pay more for poor road behavior and less for exemplary road behavior. Call Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC or visit our office for more information on safe driving habits.

The driving habits of individuals can significantly vary. Some barely venture beyond their hometown or city, while others drive intensively for their job. This results in a spectrum of coverage needs amongst drivers. However, driving distance is only one factor when assessing adequate coverage to secure you and your vehicle on the road. This comprehension is why drivers in and around Cloquet, MN, look to the professional and friendly agents at the Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC for all their auto insurance solutions.

Adequate Coverage Varies for Every Driver

If you seldom travel outside your city or town, it could be construed that you face fewer risks compared to other drivers. Conversely, the argument could be that familiar routes could lead to complacency, increasing the chances of accidents. On the other hand, if your job involves driving, the assumption is often that the likelihood of encountering an accident increases. Contrarily, there’s an argument that more experienced and ‘professional’ drivers are naturally safer.

What do these scenarios imply? Regardless of how frequently or where you drive, accidents can transpire. This underlines the importance of having adequate insurance, even though the coverage might differ from driver to driver. Hence, it’s crucial to collaborate with an agent who understands your driving needs and concerns.

Auto Insurance Solutions in Cloquet, MN

If you live in the Cloquet area and have queries or need insurance for your vehicle, we can assist. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment today for the insurance solutions and protection you need and deserve at the Brittany Olson Insurance Agency LLC.