We have known for some time how dangerous it is to drive while distracted – whether you’re on your mobile phone, talking to people in the car with you, eating or texting. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the USA, 3,166 people were killed by distracted driving in 2017 alone, 8.5% of total fatalities for the year.
Not only do you have to pay an unwelcomely large fine if you get caught, getting a ticket for distracted driving will also have a very detrimental effect on your next motor premium – pushing it up over 16% per year.
In the UK the situation is even worse – the Financial Times reported in 2018 that drivers caught using their mobiles at the wheel face a 30 per cent rise in their insurance premiums, as well as a £200 fine. The penalty in the UK doubled in March 2017, and is now a fine and six points on the driving licence.
The increase in premium is steeper than for people caught speeding, who tend to pay 10-20 per cent more on their insurance premiums.
This makes it hard for drivers to find a good premium the following year, making them work harder to find the best car insurance rates.
On average, nine people are killed and more than 1,000 injured every day in the United States in incidents reported as involving a distracted driver, the CDC reports.
During daylight hours across the USA, over 480,000 drivers are using cell phones while driving, the NHTSA reports. The largest age group responsible for this at the time of fatal crashes were teenagers, according to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey.
So what can you do to help?
Give new drivers simple, clear instructions not to use their devices while driving. Before new drivers get their licenses, discuss the fact that taking their eyes off the road- even for a few seconds – puts them and their passengers at serious risk which could cost someone injury or even death.
Set a good example– No one should text and drive. Be an example for others and if you need to text or talk on the phone, pull over to a safe place, and make sure you are being seen to set this example too. Set rules for yourself and your household regarding distracted driving.
Become informed and be active – tell family, friends and organisations to which you belong about the importance of driving without mobile distractions. Take information to your kids’ schools and ask that it be shared with students and parents.
A good trick is to put your phone in airplane mode while behind the wheel. If you must use your phone – for example, for navigation purposes – it’s best for you to set it before departing and not touching it during the trip. Software company Arity noticed that a driver is less likely to be distracted if the phone is mounted in a cradle, instead of being held in a driver’s hand.
