One of the best ways to keep your auto insurance rate as low as possible is to be a safe driver every time you get behind the wheel. Staying out of accidents and avoiding repeated speeding tickets will mean that the next time your insurance policy is renewed, you'll often be looking at a lower rate. However, steering clear of danger is about more than just pledging to avoid getting into an accident. There are specific things you can do to keep out of trouble from the minute you pull out of your driveway to the time you safely arrive home. Here are four ideas.

Leave Your Cellphone Alone

Sure, it's temping to check a text message from time to time while you're behind the wheel, but doing so can have devastating results. Distracted driving boosts your likelihood of being in an accident; not only are you more likely to commit a driving error when your full attention isn't on the road, but you're also less likely to be able to react in time to other drivers around you. Pledging to avoid handling your cellphone while you're driving will make you a safer driver and reduce your chance of being in an accident that causes an insurance rate increase. Additionally, the fines and demerit points for using your phone while driving can be hefty and such offenses can also increase your insurance rate.

Stop Tailgating

You can easily fall into the trap of following other motorists closely, especially when you're running late. Tailgating, however, is one of the leading causes of automobile accidents. This means that if you're impatiently following someone too closely, you're increasing your risk of being in an accident that raises your insurance rate. There's a formula that you can adopt to keep a safe distance between you and other motorists -- the three-second rule. This rule means that while you drive, you should remain at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. You can determine your following distance by counting the seconds from the time the vehicle passes something, such as a road sign, to the time that you reach it.

Don't Drive Tired

Fatigued driving is a major cause of many automobile accidents. Do your best to structure your outings so that you're not on the road when you're tired. Keeping your driving to the hours that you're refreshed and wide awake can help you be more alert, which will reduce your risk of being in an accident and help to keep your auto insurance rate as low as possible. Use resources like http://esiinsurance.com/ to learn more.