Distracted Driving is not just for Teens
Driverthink Guest Post ~ by Alan Dunn
Most car accidents can be avoided by simply paying attention to the road however drivers are humans and humans are not perfect. Whether it's someone calling your mobile phone, a text message from your BFF, grabbing a quick bite or any number of other distractions we often set ourselves up to have a car accident.
Almost all states have either passed or proposed distracted driver laws due to the outcry over text messaging and talking on a cellphone while driving but there are so many other distractions that will never have a law passed which also pose substantial risk when driving a vehicle. Some of the top distractions while operating a vehicle include texting, chatting on the phone, playing with the radio, GPS navigation systems, food, newspapers and more.
According to the US Government's official website on distracted driving – distraction.gov – almost 20% of all car accidents involving personal injury in 2009 involved some sort of distracted driving. In fact, almost 1,000 people were killed in car accidents during 2009 due to mobile phone usage and almost 450,000 were injured due to some distraction. These statistics are not just for teenagers but comprise of drivers from all age groups.
Distracted driving not only poses a serious risk of injury to you and others around but can also have a significant impact on your ability to get cheap car insurance in the future. Car insurance companies use a risk formula to calculate premiums and once you have a car accident (even a minor one) the odds of getting cheap car insurance can often disappear for a couple years.
Another potential risk of distracted driving is the risk of personal liability in a car accident. Depending on the details of the accident, state traffic laws and the policy details of your car insurance coverage you may very well be denied a claim if it is found you drove with severe negligence in a car accident. This is why its critical to compare auto insurance policies before purchasing coverage and understand the financial risks when texting your BFF to learn about her latest hair color.
Driving a vehicle is a privilege and a responsibility. Would you want your children driving in a car with someone who is reading the newspaper, chatting on the phone or trying to eat a meal on his way to work? Always try to create the same safe environment in your own vehicle as you would expect other drivers to.
Most of us live life in the fast lane and although the “fast lane” for most people does not involve private jets, diamonds and fur coats it still can be beneficial to slow down and enjoy some time without distractions for a little while. This will make you a better driver and reduce the risk of a car accident. Try it... you might just like it.
Most car accidents can be avoided by simply paying attention to the road however drivers are humans and humans are not perfect. Whether it's someone calling your mobile phone, a text message from your BFF, grabbing a quick bite or any number of other distractions we often set ourselves up to have a car accident.
Almost all states have either passed or proposed distracted driver laws due to the outcry over text messaging and talking on a cellphone while driving but there are so many other distractions that will never have a law passed which also pose substantial risk when driving a vehicle. Some of the top distractions while operating a vehicle include texting, chatting on the phone, playing with the radio, GPS navigation systems, food, newspapers and more.
According to the US Government's official website on distracted driving – distraction.gov – almost 20% of all car accidents involving personal injury in 2009 involved some sort of distracted driving. In fact, almost 1,000 people were killed in car accidents during 2009 due to mobile phone usage and almost 450,000 were injured due to some distraction. These statistics are not just for teenagers but comprise of drivers from all age groups.
Distracted driving not only poses a serious risk of injury to you and others around but can also have a significant impact on your ability to get cheap car insurance in the future. Car insurance companies use a risk formula to calculate premiums and once you have a car accident (even a minor one) the odds of getting cheap car insurance can often disappear for a couple years.
Another potential risk of distracted driving is the risk of personal liability in a car accident. Depending on the details of the accident, state traffic laws and the policy details of your car insurance coverage you may very well be denied a claim if it is found you drove with severe negligence in a car accident. This is why its critical to compare auto insurance policies before purchasing coverage and understand the financial risks when texting your BFF to learn about her latest hair color.
Driving a vehicle is a privilege and a responsibility. Would you want your children driving in a car with someone who is reading the newspaper, chatting on the phone or trying to eat a meal on his way to work? Always try to create the same safe environment in your own vehicle as you would expect other drivers to.
Most of us live life in the fast lane and although the “fast lane” for most people does not involve private jets, diamonds and fur coats it still can be beneficial to slow down and enjoy some time without distractions for a little while. This will make you a better driver and reduce the risk of a car accident. Try it... you might just like it.
Most accidents, when reconstructed, stem from some sort of driver distraction or from poor road conditions. Anything can distract a driver, even for just a second or two, more than enough time to cause an accident. Radios, other passengers, a fly, an itch, a sneeze, something out the window. Driving is a tough job and not fro sissy's. But be smart and don't add extra distractions.
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So true!!! I was nearly sideswiped TWICE yesterday by a middle-aged woman (with kids in the car) who was texting. It's a big problem. I'm part of a safe-driving campaign at www.collisionguard.com that is trying desperately to get people wake up and drive. We've got a pretty good distracted driving video at http://tinyurl.com/6fuutqy. Thanks for the post!
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I totally agree with your comments that the distracted driving is not only for teens, but need to put this in perspective. Its well accepted fact that teens use text messaging and messanger and other phone services much more than rest of the community and consequently they present more danger due to distractions.
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I think life is precious and nobody should play with with any kind or rash driving or doing silly things while driving which can lead to an car accident. I think everyone should take driving very seriously because it can harm you as well as the other surrounding you.
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