According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver distractions are a contributing cause in approximately 25 percent of all motor vehicle crashes or about 1.2 million accidents. Cell phones are considered one of the leading driver distractions. California has already passed a law banning the practice of texting while driving.
In addition to obeying the hands-free and texting laws, the following tips are offered to the hopelessly addicted:
- NEVER text message while driving. One study found that texting while driving is more dangerous than drunken driving.
- Use a blue-tooth or don’t call.
- Wait until the car trip is complete before answering a call. Let voicemail do its job.
- For those must-make calls it is NOT wise to pull over on the side of the road, where a rear-end collision is possible. Pull into a parking lot, instead.
- Keep your phone in a place where it is easy to see and reach.
- Take advantage of hands-free, voice-activated, speed dialing capabilities.
- You should never drive and talk on the cell phone during stressful, emotional, or complex discussions since the risk of an accident is heightened.
Most of all, just be safe out there!
Purves Insurance is a full-service insurance agency in Davis, CA.
Copyright 2009
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.
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