August 2009

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Distracted Drivers Endanger Everyone’s Safety and Wallet

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Distracted Drivers Endanger Everyone’s Safety and Wallet

A body of recently released research shows that using cellphones and other wireless communication devices while driving raises the risk of vehicle crashes. When drivers are talking on cellphones (hands-free or not), texting, checking email, or similar activities their attention is not on their primary responsibility – operating their vehicles safely. In addition to potential injuries or fatality, such crashes pose an economic cost for those involved. Such costs include repair bills, medical bills, lost income and increased insurance premiums.

What can you do to protect yourself? Don't use wireless communication devices while driving. Pull off the road if you must make or take a call or text. Keep your eyes peeled for drivers not following these rules and avoid them.

Check out these resources for more information:

From Consumer Reports,

• – How distracted a driver are you?
• – Real cell-phone dangers exposed: Using wireless communication devices while driving
• – NHTSA withholds government study exposing cell phone driving dangers

New Data from VTTI provides Insight into Cell Phone Use and Driving Distraction, study from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (pdf)

Cellphone laws from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety