The Perils of Distracted Driving
At AMC Insurance we are committed to promoting safer driving habits. We offer comprehensive auto insurance that protects against all types of risks.
Perils of Distracted Driving; Distracted driving poses a serious safety concern and could lead to life-altering injuries or fatalities.. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,142 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2020 alone(1). Drivers of all ages and experience levels must grasp the risks linked with this behavior and follow safe driving habits.
Drivers must be aware that any activity diverting their attention from the road constitutes a distraction. This includes texting, using a GPS, eating, drinking, smoking, grooming, reading maps, or using any electronic device such as an ebook reader. According to NHTSA research from 2017, 11% of drivers aged between 15 and 19 involved in fatal crashes were distracted at the time of the crash.
Perils of Distracted Driving: Tips for avoiding distractions while driving:
Put your phone away – Out of sight, out of mind, right? Make sure you switch off your phone or put it where you can’t reach it while driving. This way, you won’t be tempted to check it while behind the wheel.
Avoid eating or drinking – Snacking while driving is tempting but can be dangerous if you divert your attention from the road, even for a few seconds. Wait until you safely reach your destination before enjoying that bag of chips!
Designate a driver – When you go out with friends, ensure that someone agrees not to drink so they can drive everyone home safely.
Keep passengers entertained – Talking with passengers is one thing, but passengers screaming because they saw something outside can be distracting! Ensure children, especially, stay occupied during long car trips with books, toys, and games. Keep them seated and quiet, rather than running around in their seats (which is incredibly dangerous!).
Plan ahead – If you know your destination, plan your route ahead and get familiar with it. Avoid stopping to check maps or ask for directions, as this could cause distractions while driving.
Perils of Distracted Driving Wrap up:
At the end of the day, don’t risk your life or endanger others with careless texting or calling. When you drive, prioritize safety on the roads!
AMC Insurance is committed to promoting safer driving habits among our customers to reduce unnecessary accidents caused by distractions while driving. We offer comprehensive auto insurance packages that provide protection against all types of risks while on the road but we also want our customers to exercise common sense and take proactive steps towards protecting themselves and others through better decisions while operating motor vehicles. As such, we encourage all drivers regardless of who insures them to be mindful about avoiding distraction whenever possible and remain focused on safe driving practices at all times.
References:
- Stewart, T. (2022, March). Overview of motor vehicle crashes in 2020 (Report No. DOT HS 813
266). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. - National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2019, April). Distracted driving in fatal crashes, 2017. (Traffic Safety Facts Research Note. Report No. DOT HS 812 700). Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
