Distracted Driving may result in accidents that increase the cost of your car insurance.
It has probably been around since the first person sat behind the wheel of a Model T Ford in 1908. But as life seems to have hit break-neck (no pun intended) speed and multi-tasking has become a part of daily living, distracted driving has become the norm rather than the exception. And, of course, the number of deaths caused by teen texting has brought distracted driving to the forefront.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines distracted driving as “driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving.” That activity could be texting, eating, or even changing the radio station. The CDC defines three main types of distractions: Visual: taking your eyes off the road; Manual: taking your hands off the wheel; and Cognitive: taking your mind off of driving. The bottom line is that distracted driving is dangerous.
Distracted Driving Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving took the lives of 3,477 people in 2015 alone. “Each day in the United States, over eight people are killed and 1,161 injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver,” the CDC says. “In 2013, nearly one in five crashes (18%) in which someone was injured involved distracted driving.” The NHTSA reports that “teens were the largest age group reported as distracted at the time of fatal crashes.”
Many states and government entities have put laws into place to help decrease distracted driving caused by texting and cell phone use, but the effectiveness of these laws is still unclear, so it’s up to you as a driver and a parent to decrease driving distractions.
Talk to Your Teen Drivers About the Risks and Costs of Distracted Driving
As a parent, you should talk to your teens about good driving habits, the responsibilities that come with driving and the consequences distracted driving can cause, including not only their safety, but their accident history and the cost impact on their future automobile insurance rates. And the best way to teach them… lead by example and never drive distracted.
Safe driving requires your full attention, and most distractions are avoidable; although some do take a little bit of planning and self-control. It’s up to you to take control and eliminate distractions so that you can focus on the road.
Here are 5 Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving
- Concentrate on the road and your driving. This tip may seem overly simple and obvious, but many - if not most - of us need to be reminded of this every once in a while.
- Prepare for driving. Set your GPS, music, seats, mirrors, etc. before you put your car into drive. Also, eat and get dressed (yes, even your lipstick) before you get on the road.
- Store loose gear, possessions, and other distractions out of sight, so you aren’t tempted. Only use cell phones in emergencies and NEVER text, email, or use the internet while driving.
- Make sure all children and pets are secure before setting out.
- If you need to attend to any activity – making a phone call, eating, taking care of a child, etc. - other than driving, pull off the road somewhere safe.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) says, “As a general rule, if you cannot devote your full attention to driving because of some other activity, it’s a distraction. Take care of it before or after your trip, not while behind the wheel.”
Get The Best Auto Insurance At The Best Rates Right Here
Nobody should pay more than they need to for quality car insurance. As independent agents, we're free to shop among lots of competing auto insurance providers to get you the right PA car insurance at a great price whether you're in Reading, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Allentown, Pittsburgh, Erie or beyond! So contact American Insuring Group online or call us at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848.