☰ ˟
Español Call Us
Logo
  • Home
  • Get A Quote
    • AutomobileImage of right arrow
      • Auto Quote Form (short)
      • SR22 Insurance
    • Business & CommercialImage of right arrow
      • Commercial Auto Insurance Quote
      • General Liability Quote Form
    • Commercial Auto Insurance
    • Final Expense
    • Homeowners
    • Motorcycle
    • Renters
  • Customer Service
    • Online Account Access
    • AutomobileImage of right arrow
      • Request ID Card for Auto Policy
      • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Auto Policy
      • Send Declaration and Coverages Information to Lien Holder
      • Add Vehicle to Existing Auto Policy
      • Remove Vehicle from Existing Auto Policy
      • Add Driver to Existing Auto Policy
      • Remove Driver from Existing Auto Policy
  • Blog
  • Make a Payment
  • Resources
    • Refer a Friend
    • Important Links
    • Insurance Glossary
  • About Us
    • About Low Rate Insurance Agency of Texas, Inc.
    • Our Locations
    • Employee Directory
    • Customer Testimonials
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Join Our Newsletter
Get A Quote Auto
Get A Quote Homeowners
Get A Quote Renters
Get A Quote Business
Get A Quote Life
Get A Quote Motorcycle
Home > Blog > The Distraction Epidemic: Does Anyone Just Drive Anymore?

contact us!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

The Distraction Epidemic: Does Anyone Just Drive Anymore?

Just a couple decades ago, it would have been impossible to take a phone call while driving down the road – just imagine how long the phone cord would have been! However, that’s not the case today. Between phone calls, text messages, emails and social media, we’re more connected to the world around us than ever, and that connectivity is largely due to our cellphones and smart phones. Still, there’s growing concern that the distraction caused by smart phones is making our roadways increasingly dangerous. Does anyone just drive anymore?
The Basics of Distracted Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration describes distracted driving as any activity that takes your attention away from “the primary task of driving.” Distractions behind the wheel can endanger you, your passengers and others around your car. The NHTSA says there are three types of distraction that you face as a driver:

  • Manual: A distraction that takes your hands off the wheel.
  • Visual: A distraction that takes your eyes off the road.
  • Cognitive: A distraction that takes your mind off driving.

The NHTSA reports that text messaging, using a cellphone, eating or drinking, reading, talking to passengers, grooming, adjusting your stereo, watching a video and using a navigation system are all examples of distracted behavior. Of these distractions, texting is particularly concerning because it requires your manual, visual and cognitive attention.
How Distracted Driving Causes Accidents

In a survey conducted in 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 25 percent of drivers in the U.S. admitted they talk on their cellphones “regularly or fairly often” while driving. Additionally, 9 percent gave the same response when they were asked how much they text or email when they’re behind the wheel.

The CDC reports that distracted driving is even more prevalent among younger drivers, noting that almost 40 percent of drivers ages 18 to 29 say they talk on the phone “regularly” or “fairly often” while driving. In addition, more than 25 percent of respondents in that age group say they text or email “regularly” or “fairly often” while operating a motor vehicle.

According to the NHTSA, the average driver takes his or her eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds when sending or receiving texts. In that amount of time, you could travel the length of an entire football field if you’re driving 55 mph. As a result, the likelihood of a crash is “23 times worse than driving while not distracted.” Additionally, NHTSA reports that using a cellphone or portable electronic device behind the wheel makes you four times as likely to get into a crash in which you’ll sustain injuries.

In 2010, distracted driving was linked to 18 percent of crashes that resulted in injury, according to NHTSA. Additionally, crashes that involved a distracted driver resulted in 3,092 deaths, while about 416,000 people were injured.
How to Prevent Distracted Driving

Because distracted driving is so dangerous, it’s important to take preventative steps to help keep our roads safe. The National Safety Council encourages us to stop using our cellphones while driving, and to share information about the dangers of distracted driving with friends and family. If someone calls you while they’re driving, the NSC also recommends telling them “that you’d be happy to continue the conversation once you have reached your destination.”

By avoiding distracting behaviors behind the wheel, you’re taking positive steps to help keep yourself and your passengers safe. The phone calls and texts can definitely wait until you’ve parked the car.

(Source:http://blog.allstate.com/the-distraction-epidemic-does-anyone-just-drive-anymore/)
Posted 8:21 PM

Tags: texting and driving, auto accident
Share |


No Comments


Post a Comment
Required
Required (Not Displayed)
Required


All comments are moderated and stripped of HTML.

NOTICE: This blog and website are made available by the publisher for educational and informational purposes only. It is not be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal, or tax advice from a licensed professional in your state. By using this blog site you understand that there is no broker client relationship between you and the blog and website publisher.
Blog Archive
  • 2021
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012

  • arlington(13)
  • insurance(10)
  • texas(9)
  • arlington auto insurance(8)
  • auto insurance(8)
  • arlington home insurance(7)
  • motorcycle insurance(7)
  • low rate insurance agency(7)
  • renters insurance(7)
  • home insurance(5)
  • arlington motorcycle insurance(5)
  • arlington car insurance(5)
  • arlington renters insurance(4)
  • grand prairie auto insurance(4)
  • business insurance(4)
  • car insurance arlington texas(3)
  • mansfield auto insurance(3)
  • auto insurance arlington texas(3)
  • car insurance(3)
  • fort worth(3)
  • arlington business insurance(3)
  • arlington tx car insurance(3)
  • coverage(3)
  • arlington texas car insurance(2)
  • auto insurance grand prairie(2)
  • dallas(2)
  • car insurance arlington tx(2)
  • homeowners insurance arlington texas(2)
  • arlington sr22 insurance(2)
  • car insurance grand prairie texas(2)
  • turkey day giveaway(2)
  • holiday meal(2)
  • car insurance arlington(2)
  • arlington insurance(2)
  • thanksgiving(2)
  • dfw(2)
  • auto insurance arlington tx(2)
  • low rate insurance(2)
  • engine(1)
  • no texting while driving(1)
  • battery(1)
  • auto(1)
  • auto insurance arlington(1)
  • declarations page(1)
  • grand prairie renters insurance(1)
  • insurance discounts(1)
  • compulsory excess(1)
  • voluntary excess(1)
  • grand prairie car insurance(1)
  • dallas sr22 insurance(1)

View Mobile Version
Insure Your Needs
Resources
Products
Our Carriers
About Us
Blog
Employees
Contact Us
Contact Us
1900 E Abram St.
Arlington, TX 76010

P: 817-635-0375
© Copyright. All rights reserved. Powered by Insurance Website Builder.